Having a robust IT infrastructure is necessary for any organization that is aiming to cater to the target audience efficiently and thrive in the competitive landscape. This holds true for the healthcare sector as well where IT infrastructure has become a crucial component that supports its various processes. However, IT systems in healthcare organizations should be efficient, scalable and secure to derive maximum benefits. Moreover, there are several challenges that a company encounters when building information technology systems. What are those and how to overcome them, we will learn in this blog.
Before installing any IT infrastructure, the organization should first determine the purpose for which they need the system. Factors such as the size of the organization, the nature of operations, growth projections, and budget must also be given due importance. In healthcare, more factors come into play including patient data security, compliance, and the ability to integrate various health information systems.
Challenges in Maintaining the IT Infrastructure
1. Slow or Outdated Hardware
No matter how sophisticated the operating systems may be, it always seems like something more advanced is possible within a few months. A machine's estimated lifetime is usually 3-to-5 years. Regular reviewing and updating of the hardware is important to ensure its optimal performance. If one wants to replace the systems, begin with older machines and replace them with faster, newer ones to keep up with the evolving demands of healthcare IT.
2. Data Management Problems
In TCP/IP networks, routers that protect emails, apps, and internet browsing can cause significant packet losses. This results in substantial data loss and decreases network speeds, making online communication difficult. Improper or inadequate installation of data management systems can also lead to misdiagnoses and compromised patient care. To mitigate these issues, investing in high-speed routers and switches with optimum memory and processing capabilities is essential.
3. Looking for and Retaining Resources
Attracting and retaining skilled IT professionals is increasingly challenging. The population has become more dynamic, decentralized, and remote. The nature of data center work is becoming more integrated, cross-functional, and automated, with the speed of transition shortening the period needed to adapt to market needs.
To grow and maintain a skilled workforce, following strategies can be implemented:
- Provide competitive salaries: Offering rewarding salaries and opportunities to advance career.
- Encourage a culture of lifelong learning: Provide opportunities for continuous education and professional development.
- Empower staff: Allow employees to take ownership of their roles. It will make them more agile and engaged.
- Offer well-defined career pathways: Offer a variety of challenging tasks and clear progression routes.
4. Absence of Efficient Data Storage Architectures
Cloud computing has become a cost-effective and scalable data storage solution for IT administrators. However, it often lacks the requisite data storage structures to support a range of healthcare applications. Healthcare organizations need more versatile solutions that go beyond capacity and cost constraints.
5. Weak Network Access
High-speed internet is essential for executing operations in a smooth manner. This is very important in the healthcare setup where real-time data access is necessary in emergency situations. Hence, ensuring that your organization has access to a fast and reliable internet is critical. Consider working with experienced IT teams to understand the options they can provide maximum connectivity speeds, prevent downtime and enhance productivity.
6. Mobile Workforce
With the usage of mobile phones and adoption of BYOD (bring your own device) policies becoming common, it has become difficult to manage the mobile workforce . This challenge is compounded by the need to secure organizational data accessed from various devices. IT infrastructure must support secure access for more users, handle massive data volumes, and provide rapid processing speeds.
7. Developing a Cloud Strategy
A well-balanced cloud strategy can help a healthcare organization grow, differentiate, and gain a strategic edge. Balancing vital workloads while addressing past challenges requires a pragmatic hybrid cloud approach. Develop a series of decision frameworks and processes for evaluating market- and workload-based opportunities. Invest in capabilities, deliver business-wide information, and implement governance to advance the system.
8. Evolving Data Management
There are few tools that administrators can use to distinguish quality data from big datasets. Identifying trends in data, interpreting them accurately, and using them to make strategic decisions in infrastructure management is crucial. Advanced analytics tools and AI can help address this challenge.
9. Weak Procedures for Teams
Teams can pose significant IT security threats. Issues created by team members can lead to data breaches, loss of data, and inefficiencies. Implementing robust team procedures and training ensures that everyone knows what to do and what not to do when using IT systems. Regular security training and clear guidelines can mitigate these risks.
10. Capital Investment
A cohesive IT architecture requires substantial capital investment. Investing too much can waste resources, while investing too little can be dangerous. Effective planning by professional management is essential. Partnering with IT service providers who can manage technology effectively allows you to focus on your core business.
Aligning IT Infrastructure to Business Outcomes
IT leaders often feel they are in perpetual catch-up mode because it is difficult to measure IT's impact on business productivity and competitiveness. Budgets typically do not expand in line with market needs. Align IT infrastructure achievements with business successes by identifying programs or software that significantly impact company goals and revenue.
Best Practices for Building a Robust IT Infrastructure
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Scalability and Flexibility
Choose hardware that meets current needs and offers scalability. Modular server systems can be expanded as your business grows, providing the flexibility to adapt to future demands.
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Reliability and Redundancy
Select reliable hardware components and implement redundancy for servers and storage. This will help with business continuity, prevent data loss and downtime, which is crucial in healthcare settings.
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Energy Efficiency
Always ensure to use energy-efficient hardware, with newer technologies such as solid-state drives (SSDs). This will significantly reduce operational costs and lead to faster and more energy-efficient performance.
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Integration Capabilities
Invest in software that can seamlessly integrate with other systems. This will reduce data silos, enhance efficiency and all systems work harmoniously.
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Security Features
Choose software having robust security features and ensure to conduct regular reviews and updates of the software to protect against the latest threats. Implementing multi-factor authentication and encryption can further help to secure sensitive data.
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Customization
Every healthcare organization is unique. Opt for software solutions that can be customized to fit specific business processes and workflows, ensuring that the software meets your organization’s needs.
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High-Speed Connectivity
A fast and reliable network is crucial. Consider fiber-optic connections and high-quality networking equipment to ensure high-speed data transfer, supporting the real-time needs of healthcare operations.
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Secure Architecture
With the increasing trend of remote work, you will need to ensure that your network infrastructure accommodates secure and effective remote access. Considering technologies like virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure access service edge (SASE) can help improve remote connectivity.
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Regular Updates and Patches
Focus on running the latest patches and updates for your IT system’s hardware and software. This will help fix vulnerabilities and enhance performance. Conducting maintenance of the systems at regular schedules can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
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Professional IT Support
Have a dedicated IT support team, either in-house or outsourced, to manage and maintain your IT infrastructure effectively. Getting professional support is necessary to ensure that issues are addressed on time.
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Training and Awareness
Conduct regular training sessions for your staff to educate about the best practices for using IT resources. It will also help to stay informed about security best practices, new threats and how to eliminate them.
Final Thoughts
A robust IT infrastructure is the foundation of a healthcare organization that enables healthcare providers to execute various functions seamlessly and maintain competitive position. However, implementing systems is not a one time activity. These systems need to be managed and maintained for their smooth functioning and prolonged life. Hence it is imperative to understand the probable challenges beforehand and choose systems and solutions to proactively prevent them from happening.
