The Chief Information Officer (CIO) role has undergone a major change in the tech world. With the quick shifts to cloud computing and agile IT, CIOs’ traditional skill sets and experience are being challenged. As organizations adapt to the new normal, there’s a growing realization that the CIO’s role needs to be redefined to stay relevant and effective.
Historically, becoming a CIO meant accumulating years of IT experience and climbing the corporate ladder. However, the fast-paced nature of healthcare IT has made most of this experience less relevant. For instance, technologies like Microsoft Teams 365 and the cloud, which have become central to modern healthcare operations, were virtually nonexistent a decade ago. This means a CIO with 30 years of experience might only have 10 years of relevant knowledge.
The Boardroom Presence of CIOs
An interesting way to gauge the relevance of a CIO is their presence in board meetings. Are they a board member, or are they just the head tech? For example, the traditional executive triad of CEO, CFO, and COO has been stable for decades. However, as technology becomes more integral to business operations, the question arises: where does IT fit into this structure?
If a CIO is not part of the decision-making board, they’re not bringing the right reports to the meetings.
Furthermore, the focus for CIOs should be shifting from technology (T) to information (I). The CIO’s role should be about making decisions based on relevant clinical data. Leave the technology to a managed IT services provider for healthcare groups like Stringfellow. This is crucial in the evolving role of the CIO. It’s not just about keeping systems secure and operational; it’s about leveraging information for your strategic advantage.
A New Approach: HealthSafeIT
Stringfellow Technology Group advocates a fresh approach to technology through its ‘HealthSafeIT.’ This approach emphasizes relevant, up-to-date technology experience from day one. Unlike traditional CIOs, who may have vast but outdated experience, HealthSafeIT provides a roadmap tailored to the current tech landscape. If you don’t plan out the next three years for your business technology, you won’t have a roadmap for your business growth.
Wherever you’re going, we’re already there. We’ve helped groups smaller than yours grow to sizes they never dreamed imaginable. Reach out today, and let’s talk about your company’s future.