HIMSS Analytics: Lack Of Health IT Workers May Delay EHR Adoption

The inaugural HIMSS Analytics Workforce Survey shows that while health IT hiring was robust in 2012, there was a shortage of qualified applicants for information technology positions, possibly resulting in a delay for EHR implementations and the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  More than 85% of healthcare organizations reported hiring at least one employee in 2012, while only 13% laid off any staff during that time, indicating a strong interest in boosting operational efficiencies and implementing technology in the coming months.

The majority of the 224 healthcare organizations that participated in the poll reported hiring staff in 2012, mostly for application support or help desk positions.  EHR and other health IT vendors were eager to grow their businesses, with more than 20 hires on average, many of which were in sales and marketing. [...]