Managed IT services include one or more components of the overall IT operation. This could include service desk, application support, and technical management. For many of our clients, IT service desk is the first to be outsourced to gain the resource availability and scale needed for 24/7 operations. But that is quickly shifting to application hosting and maintenance, network management, and related services due to the growing complexity of the healthcare technology footprint.
Clinical and IT Service Desk
Sometimes referred to help desk, an IT Service Desk helps healthcare organizations gain the coverage needed for supporting their 24/7 operations. The primary outcomes of this service should be increased efficiency, satisfaction, and over time, overall improvement in incident volumes. Patient portal support is often part of help desk coverage – which extends support for patients and telehealth visits. This can include proactive reach outs for telehealth visits and portal setup and usage.
With the introduction of clinical expertise, a clinical service desk encompasses analysts with specialized training to address configuration and more complex issues with the EHR and/or Patient Portal. They can coordinate with software vendors, infrastructure teams, and provide training and education to clinical staff.
For Clinical and IT service desks, the goal is continuous improvement and efficiency in the delivery of patient care. For one client, physician calls were resolved3x faster with the help of a Clinical Service Desk.
Network Management
Managing a network for a healthcare organization requires a wide range of skillsets to maintain availability and security across the EHR, specialized clinical applications, and medical devices. Outsourcing the ongoing management, monitoring, patching, and business continuity testing can build capacity for transformation projects.
Other managed services can include staff augmentation, backup and disaster recovery, or legacy data archive.
Application Management and/or Hosting
Many healthcare organizations are challenged to manage a growing set of applications, and more frequent updates. This provides timely patching, system updates, and support that helps ensure reliability and availability. Often, outsourcing application management goes hand in hand with hosting or cloud management and allows the healthcare organization to coordinate with a single service provider.
Streamlining Efficiency
Managed services liberate health systems from routine IT tasks, allowing them to focus on their core mission. Teams can dedicate energy to innovation and strategic growth, amplifying overall efficiency.
Budget Precision
Predictable cost models underpin managed services, optimizing budget allocation. This empowers health systems to direct funds toward expansion and innovation, while sidestepping unexpected IT expenses.
Clinician Empowerment
Seamless technology access is pivotal for clinicians. Managed services establish minimal disruptions, enabling medical professionals to prioritize patient interactions over technical challenges.
Elevating Patient Outcomes
Smooth IT operations facilitated by managed services lead to enhanced patient care. Expedited diagnostics, informed treatment plans and improved overall patient experiences are the direct outcomes.
Technology touches virtually every part of hospital operations. Through proper governance and controls, partnership with a managed services provider enables you to do more without managing more yourself.
12 Use Cases for Managed Services
01 | Disruptive Upgrades
When upgrades disrupt operations and create uncertainty, it’s a sign that managed services could provide smoother transitions.
02 | Unreliable Access to Resources
Inconsistencies in accessing crucial resources hinder productivity. Managed services offer reliable support for uninterrupted operations.
03 | Insufficient Capacity to Innovate
If your team’s innovation potential is stifled due to IT management demands, managed services can rekindle engagement and drive innovation.
04 | Struggling with Security and Compliance
Managing security and compliance challenges is complex. Managed services offer specialized expertise to safeguard data security and regulatory adherence.
05 | Limited IT Staff Availability
Limited availability of your IT staff can impede progress. Managed services provide extra hands for a more agile and responsive IT environment.
06 | Scalability Challenges
Rapid growth can strain in-house resources. Managed services enable seamless scalability to accommodate expansion without compromising efficiency.
07 | Complex Technology Integrations
Complex integrations can lead to disruptions. Managed services offer expertise to harmonize diverse technologies for a streamlined workflow.
08 | High Downtime and Slow Issue Resolution
Frequent downtime and sluggish issue resolution impact operations. Managed services ensure prompt response and minimal disruptions.
09 | Need for 24/7 Support
Round-the-clock operations demand 24/7 support. Managed services provide constant monitoring and issue resolution to prevent performance interruptions.
10 | Budget Constraints and Cost Variability
Unpredictable IT costs can hinder budgeting. Managed services offer stability through predictable cost models that support effective financial planning.
11 | Focus on Core Competencies
Focusing on core healthcare activities is vital. Managed services relieve your team from routine IT tasks so they can prioritize patient care and growth.
12 | Lack of IT Strategy
Lacking a cohesive IT strategy hampers progress. Managed services providers align technology with organizational goals, offering a roadmap for success.
We’re proud to announce CereCore’s KLAS results for Managed Services. Click here for more information.
Explore how healthcare IT leaders have leveraged managed services for meaningful change and their insights on strategic partnerships by downloading the full eBook.
The Buyer's Guide to IT Managed Services
Elevating Healthcare Excellence
Gain insights from healthcare leaders on IT managed services, and how to leverage it for continuous IT operations management and staffing, clinician empowerment, budget precision and more. The full .pdf download covers:
Decision guide for determining if managed services is right for your organization
Identifying red flags and structuring for success
Insights and outcomes from healthcare leaders on managed IT services
CereCore® provides IT services that make it easier for you to
CereCore® provides IT services that make it easier for you to focus on supporting hospital operations and transforming healthcare through technology. With a heritage rooted in our nation’s top-performing hospitals, we serve as leaders and experts in technology, operations, data security, and clinical applications. We partner with clients to become an extension of the team through comprehensive IT and application support, technical professional and managed services, IT advisory services, and EHR consulting, because we know firsthand the power that integrated technology has on patient care and communities.
