CHIME Survey shows the demand for experienced health IT workforce

A recent survey by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) reveals a demand for qualified Information Technology (IT) staff for healthcare providers. A survey of chief information officers (CIO) was conducted in 2010 and 2012. Numbers showed 59% reported shortages within their staffs in 2010. The 2012 survey revealed an increase of 67% experiencing shortages.

The adoption of the Health Information Technology Act (HITEC) in 2009 has put an emphasis on the workforce needed to implement electronic health records. There is concern staffing challenges will negatively impact healthcare organizations’ chances to receive HITECH stimulus fund payments. Retention of IT staff is a growing concern with 85% reporting this issue in 2012 compared with 76% in 2010. Additional concerns include the increasing numbers of IT projects, ICD-10 planning and health information exchanges.

There has been significant investment in the national Health IT Workforce Development program developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. The purpose of the effort is to provide non-degree health IT training programs that can be completed in six months or less. The survey found two out of three respondents were aware of the community college and university-based training, yet only 12% of the CIOs reported hiring graduates from the program. To date, more than 8,000 students have graduated from the program. 

Results reveal experienced health IT staff is a crucial need, but how can the healthcare industry meet this current demand that seems to be growing? Training programs are in place thanks to federal funds and the work of area colleges and universities. It appears an effort to match these pressing demands with the available supply of IT graduates is necessary.