By Healthcare Facilities Today

Nearly five years after the inception of electronic health record incentive programs, healthcare CEOs are still grappling with the power of information technology to transform their businesses, according to an article on the EHR Intelligence website.

A survey by PwC said that the majority of leaders have a plan in place to harness big data and make new investments, but few have been able to act on these strategies as competing initiatives sap time, funding and motivation.

One motivation for change is a shift in patient expectations, the survey said. Ninety-four percent of CEOs plan to alter their customer growth and retention strategies, and 84% believe that demographics will impact the way healthcare operates, the article said. However, only four in ten believe their IT infrastructures are capable of handling the necessary changes.

Nearly 70% are planning some sort of joint venture or alliance and 28% plan to outsource part of their business functions.  Just over half of respondents also hope to boost their talent pool in the next year, while 63% are concerned about finding qualified applicants to fill vacant positions, according to the article.

Read the article.