Short on support: Too few in health care IT work force

As physicians further embrace technology, they encounter a practical problem -- how to make sure they have someone ready to solve the technical problems new technology brings.

By John McCormack, AMNews correspondent. July 16, 2007.

There are many reasons why families bring puppies home. The companionship, the fun, the unconditional love. Studies even show that owning a dog can result in health benefits such as lower blood pressure.

Similarly, there are many reasons why medical groups adopt information technology systems. Improved communication, enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs. There are studies showing that computers can help improve patient health.

Eventually, though, in both scenarios, a big question rears its ugly head: Who's going to take care of these beasts?

Health care organizations, including physician practices, are finding that nurturing a computer system can be a big job -- and one that requires not only time and effort but specific expertise as well.

The problem is, as more physicians move toward automation, it will become increasingly difficult to hire and retain the information technology talent -- whether full-time staff members, consultants or temporary workers -- required to manage computer systems, says Stanley Hochberg, MD, director of the graduate program in health informatics at Northeastern University, Boston.

"We are at a phase now where we are seeing a significant increase in the implementation of electronic systems across all health care settings, including acute care organizations and outpatient practices," Dr. Hochberg says. "So, as more organizations are using electronic medical records, computerized physician ordering and e-prescribing systems, the need for information technology leaders and staff members is growing considerably -- and we are starting to see a shortage."