Healthcare organizations are facing mounting pressures to not only deliver high-quality patient care, but also to ensure their IT infrastructure is robust, secure, and efficient enough to repel the increasing number of cyberattacks. In fact, 79% of healthcare organizations have experienced a ransomware attack in the past year. This dual challenge has prompted many healthcare leaders to evaluate the most effective way to manage their IT needs. At the forefront of this discussion is the debate between relying on in-house IT teams versus engaging managed IT services (MSPs). A balanced approach — leveraging both in-house IT teams and managed IT services — may offer the best solution for healthcare organizations.
The role of in-house IT teams
In-house IT teams are the lifeblood of any healthcare organization. However, there are some areas in which they can excel, and others where they may require additional expertise.
The pros
- In-house IT teams bring a deep understanding of their organization’s unique needs, workflows, and challenges.
- Deep organization knowledge allows them to tailor solutions and respond swiftly to issues that are specific to their environment.
- Having IT staff on-site ensures that urgent problems are addressed quickly, which is crucial in healthcare settings where delays can directly impact the patient experience.
The cons
- Resource constraints are a significant challenge, as these teams may struggle with limited manpower.
- Lack of resources make it difficult to keep up with the latest technological advancements and best practices.
- As healthcare organizations grow, their IT needs become increasingly complex. In-house teams may find it difficult to scale their operations quickly to meet these demands, potentially leading to gaps in service.
- The rapid evolution of technology means that in-house teams might face skill gaps — risking outdated practices or new vulnerabilities — if they’re not continuously updating their knowledge and expertise.
To keep the scale even, let’s take a look at how managed IT services stack up.
The role of managed IT services
Managed IT service providers offer a range of specialized benefits. MSPs bring a wealth of expertise and experience, employing teams of specialists in various fields such as cybersecurity, network management, and data analytics. There are, however, some drawbacks of investing solely in managed services.
The pros
- MSPs offer specialized knowledge that can address complex issues that may be beyond the scope of in-house teams, and be the difference between a robust cybersecurity strategy and a multi-million dollar data breach
- They offer scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to adjust services based on their needs. This is particularly beneficial for healthcare organizations that may experience fluctuating demands or seasonal variations
- Can lead to significant cost savings by enabling organizations to outsource routine IT functions and gain access to advanced technology and expertise without the overhead associated with maintaining a large, in-house IT department (or having to fall under the umbrella of the 60% of healthcare organizations who are inadequately staffed to effectively monitor their cybersecurity)
- Allows in-house teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day operations
Coincidentally, we can draw a parallel between specialist-based healthcare and expert MSPs.
“Healthcare lives and dies by the specialist world (for example, anesthetists, surgeons, technicians, etc.),” said ISG Technology’s Cybersecurity Expert Walter Hirsekorn. “And IT is the same. You have to have a network engineer, security engineer, someone who manages server infrastructure, help desk people, application people, etc.”
However, Hirsekorn has witnessed firsthand the reluctance to bring in IT specialists. He argued, “You have your specialists in healthcare, and it’s the same for IT. But healthcare execs often put generalists in charge of some of the most valuable pieces of their organization: cybersecurity and patient data.”
The cons
- Outsourcing all IT functions means that organizations might have less direct control over daily operations. This can be a concern for those who value hands-on management
- Integrating managed services with existing systems and processes can be complex and requires careful planning and the right partnership to ensure seamless operations.
With these pros and cons in mind, we propose a balanced solution, rather than “either/or.”
Synergy between in-house IT and managed IT services
The most effective IT strategy for healthcare organizations often involves a combination of in-house and managed IT services. By blending these approaches, organizations can leverage the strengths of both. In-house teams can handle internal needs and customization, while MSPs provide advanced security, infrastructure management, and specialized expertise.
This synergy fosters a more innovative and efficient IT strategy. In-house teams can focus on high-priority projects and strategic initiatives, while MSPs manage routine maintenance and oversee cutting-edge solutions.
For example, a successfully integrated MSP and in-house IT team have more bandwidth to tackle cybersecurity challenges. The in-house team might focus on daily operations and patient data management, while the MSP handles advanced threat detection and response. This collaboration could result in enhanced security and operational efficiency, ultimately reducing risk for the organization and its patients.
Implementing a balanced IT strategy
To implement a balanced IT strategy, healthcare organizations should begin by:
- Assessing their current IT capabilities and identifying areas where managed services could provide support. This involves evaluating whether the in-house team has the necessary skills and resources to address all aspects of IT management
- Setting clear objectives for what the organization hopes to achieve with a combined IT strategy — such as improved security, cost savings, or enhanced operational efficiency
- Considering factors such as expertise, reputation, and different service level agreements when deciding on the right MSP partner. The provider should have a proven track record in the healthcare sector and be capable of offering the specialized support needed
Effective integration of managed services requires fostering open communication between in-house teams and MSPs, with regular status updates and quarterly reviews to maintain alignment and address any issues promptly.
Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the integrated IT strategy are crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Regular performance reviews and adjustments can help maintain alignment with organizational goals and ensure that the strategy remains effective over time.
Bolster your in-house IT with ISG Technology
In-house IT teams and managed IT services each offer distinct advantages and limitations. By adopting a balanced approach, healthcare organizations can leverage the strengths of both to create a more robust and flexible IT strategy. This integrated approach not only enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but it also supports improved patient care and data security.
To learn more about integrating managed IT services into your IT strategy and to discover how ISG Technology can be your trusted partner in this collaborative approach, contact us today to speak with an ISG HealthTech expert.