Finding the right business analysts and data analysts that can actually help interpret the data, translate it into information is a key factor for success– and is appearing to be a harder goal to achieve than one might think. Finding business analysts that are also healthcare operations savvy is a needed needle apparently hiding in some other haystack for smaller safety net hospitals.

Thoughts on how IT strategic planning supports organization-wide efforts to improve quality, cut costs and improve efficiency in the Health care sector

Pushing the organization to think strategically, to get out of the realm of reacting to the governmental demands, is an ongoing effort requiring constant re-visiting of thoughts, plans, and thinking long term. Having real time data entered into the system and reported in a more real time method is the first step towards improving quality, cutting costs, and finding efficiencies.

Technology trends impacting enterprise business environment

Data exchange interoperability will be a critical trend and technology solution that has to be fulfilled and will force redesigns and staff resource retraining. Business Intelligence tools that don’t require an exponential rise in resources to maintain, analyze, and develop, will also be critical tools that can either help or bury a given organization.

My roles and responsibilities as a CIO

I’m new to my role, so cannot offer too much in this realm but am sensing that diving into more of the operational details may be critical to fend off vendor myths, vaporware, and short term solutions that continue to perpetuate the buy it, try it, only to throw it out and try again mentality.

Lessons learned and advice for fellow CIOs

Staying focused on the customer, being much more agile. Everyone is trying hard. No one wants to fail. Constantly revisioning IT’s purpose, mentoring others, and motivating staff by being a buffer to the chaos are the key skills that help build teams.