New technology holds various opportunities for the healthcare industry, but most organizations, especially smaller companies, often fail to plan the interception between their practice and technology tools because of the lack of IT planning services. Instead, they just adopt the new tech here and there as it becomes available. But, a good IT plan can implement new tools and when combined, they can create an efficient, scalable, technology-based environment with some major benefits.
The benefits of IT planning in the Healthcare industry
1. Increase accessibility
One of the biggest benefits of IT in healthcare is telemedicine. The Internet and computers make it easier for care providers to communicate with patients that are at home. This does not only limit unnecessary office traffic, but it also minimizes delays and provides comfort for people who are not able to move around.
2. More control in the hands of the patients
Technology does not only give the patients access to advice and knowledge but it will also put more power in their hands. One of the worst feelings for a person is to feel powerless, especially when it comes to health. Different IT applications are becoming increasingly popular and will provide useful information about the patient’s condition, treatment, and tools for boosting their health.
3. Minimal errors
The right IT planning can reduce the chances of medical error, keeping patients safe, as well as keeping the facility protected from lawsuits. For example, electronic medical records implement all medical information at one place, compared to the past were doctors had different files. With EMRs, you will have one file that will be updated according to the patient’s condition, making it less likely for something to be missed or overlooked.
4. A more productive team
Technology can help you with building a more productive and efficient workforce. Smartphones, for example, are powerful tools in the hands of the hospital staff. They can easily communicate with each other and there are great applications that doctors use to fill out forms, check information, or carry out administrative tasks.
5. Improved Security
If there is no planning, a lot of things are simply left to chance, and one of the fields that take the biggest hit when things are left unchecked is data security. There is not a business or company where data security is more important than in healthcare. In fact, governments require a specific level of responsibility as a healthcare provider and if the requirements are not met, your practice can be subjected to fines. To read more about the importance of data security, check this out.
Conclusion
Technology can help you with providing a better and improved healthcare experience. However, you might not be able to do it alone, and this is why hiring an IT planning service is important. Your mission is to deliver the best care possible, and their expertise can help with that.
Nina Smith 
Kim Marks