Managed IT Services are a must for any organisation that wants to improve IT processes and keep data safe and secure. This is especially true for the healthcare industry, which is one of the most complex and regulated industries in the world.
Healthcare providers are responsible for the health and well-being of their patients and rely heavily on technology to deliver this quality care. However, the sector faces unique challenges which can impact the quality of service provided. This includes a growing demand for services, rising costs, stringent regulations, and evolving cyber threats.
Cyber-attacks occur in every industry and sector, but Healthcare is undoubtedly one of the most heavily targeted due to the absolute treasure trove of data which can be quickly monetised on the dark web – much of it managed through outdated and easily exploited IT systems.
The reality is that managing IT operations can be a daunting and costly task for many healthcare organisations, especially when they have limited resources and expertise. This is why outsourcing IT to a reliable and experienced service provider can be a smart and strategic decision which can help healthcare providers focus on what they do best, providing high-quality patient care.
What are the Main Benefits of Managed IT Services for Healthcare Providers?
1. Enhanced Data Security
Data breaches and cybersecurity threats are constant concerns for the healthcare sector. In fact, according to Check Point Research, healthcare organisations experienced 1,426 attacks per week in 2022. While huge global healthcare companies seem like the most obvious target, it’s the small and mid-sized organisations which are getting hit the hardest. Healthcare data such as medical records, personal information and research findings are highly sensitive making them an attractive and lucrative target for cybercriminals. Managed IT service providers can help protect healthcare data from cyberattacks, natural disasters, and other threats by implementing multi-layered security measures such as encryption, intrusion detection systems, regular security audits and secure data storage.
2. Cost Savings
Healthcare organisations often face tight budgetary constraints while trying to provide the best possible care for their patients. One of the main benefits of working with a Managed Service provider (MSP) is that it can help healthcare providers reduce their IT expenses and optimise their IT budget. Rather than pouring resources into pricey hardware, software, and personnel, healthcare providers can pay a fixed monthly fee to an MSP for the services they need. This approach lets them sidestep initial expenditures, ongoing maintenance charges, upgrade expenses, and any hidden fees.
3. Access to Expertise
Maintaining an in-house IT team can be costly and time-consuming. By outsourcing IT support, healthcare providers can gain access to a team of specialised experts who have extensive knowledge of healthcare IT systems, security protocols, and industry compliance standards. This ensures that healthcare organisations stay secure and up to date with the latest technologies, without the need to constantly train and retain in-house IT staff.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
The needs of healthcare providers can change rapidly, and IT requirements must be able to adapt to these changes seamlessly. Whether it’s adding new users, implementing new solutions, or handling increased patient loads, managed IT services provide the infrastructure and support to scale IT resources up or down based on the organisation’s evolving needs. MSPs can also offer expertise and support for cloud-based solutions, which enable healthcare providers to access their data and applications from anywhere, anytime, and on any device.
5. Compliance
Healthcare organisations need to comply with strict regulations and standards that govern the privacy, security and quality of healthcare data and systems. These regulations are continually evolving and becoming more stringent. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, lawsuits, reputational damage, and loss of trust with patients and stakeholders. MSPs can help ensure compliance by implementing robust security measures, performing regular security audits and implementing all the measures needed to meet regulatory requirements.
6. 24/7 Support & Monitoring
Healthcare organisations operate round-the-clock, and any IT downtime can have severe consequences on patient care. Outsourcing IT support offers the advantage of 24/7 monitoring and support, ensuring that potential issues are detected and resolved promptly, even outside regular business hours. With proactive monitoring, the risk of system failures and data loss can be minimised, leading to better overall operational efficiency.
Ready to choose the right MSP for your business?
Managed IT Services have emerged as a lifeline for healthcare organisations looking to balance patient care, data security, compliance, and cost efficiency. By working with a trusted MSP, healthcare providers can focus on their core mission of providing the best possible care to patients, confident in the knowledge that their IT is in capable hands.
At Ortus, we’ve extensive experience helping healthcare providers embrace the latest IT technology to modernise solutions and improve patient care. If you’re interested in learning more about Managed IT Services for Healthcare or finding out how we can help protect your organisation, get in touch today.
