A Solid IT Strategic Plan Gives A roadmap To Solve Problems

Roger Neal ,VP-IT & CIO , Duncan Regional Hospital

Challenges in technology to meet enterprise needs in 2013 and expectations

Resources would be the biggest challenge: With growing expectations for HealthIT, the volume of work to get the complex systems implemented & operational far outweighs the human capital available. My wish list includes greater coordination among vendors.

The areas in business environment where solutions do not yet exist or not up to the mark, and which if existed, would've made job easier

The biggest thing that keeps me awake at night is, truly knowing whether or not the systems we implement are safe. Very complex systems like Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) is difficult to implement in a limited amount of time. We need better compliance tools in IT that assess the global picture, not just one or two systems at a time.

Manner in which data is used to head off problems and complications before they happen

Our focus for using data is on quality and customer service. Quality from the stand point of core measures, Physician Quality and reporting System (PQRS), and all other reporting requirement.

Patient satisfaction from the stand point of HHCAPS and where we rank both regionally and nationally. The data we collect helps us define positions to improve, and the opportunity to look at systems and processes. DRH strives to be the very best in all aspects of patient satisfaction. We must know how to read the information.

Thoughts on how IT strategic planning supports organization- wide efforts to improve quality, cut costs and improves efficiency in the Health sector

IT strategic planning is important in hospitals. With the amount of change in all aspects of healthcare, being able to link our IT strategic plan to the hospital strategic plan really helps guide projects. A solid IT strategic plan gives the CIO a roadmap to solve problems. From an efficient and cost-cutting standpoint, your strategic plan gives you the ability to look out across all areas of hospital and match to the operations with what IT can and should be delivering.

Technology trends impacting enterprise business environment

Two trends are (1) cloud computing and (2) smartphone and tablet technologies. Cloud computing has operational significance for healthcare. As we all work to meet higher demands, higher availability, lower costs and provide flexibility in the technologies that we implement; cloud computing provides real benefits and options. Second, as devices combine, nurses and other caregivers get compact devices for everything.

My roles and responsibilities as a CIO

The role as the CIO has transformed to business leaders. I am responsible for information technology, telecommunications, rehabilitation services, home care, hospice, food and nutrition services, our cancer treatment centers and strategic oriented operations. The CIO solves problems, assesses strategic advantage and delivers on projects that meet the needs of the organizations.

Lessons learned and advice for fellow CIOs

First, always under promise and over deliver on your praise, planning and comments. CIOs should be real and approachable. LISTEN to everyone in the organization. Every team member and physician has a valuable comment for you, just listen twice as much as you talk and then use that to promote success, safety and to higher quality for the people we serve.