The Changing Landscape of Health IT Skill Demand

In 2009, the demand for health IT professionals surged dramatically. The introduction of ARRA & HITECH legislation necessitated a shift from traditional paper-based systems to digital platforms within healthcare organizations.

Consequently, there was a rapid escalation in the adoption of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, leading to an unprecedented need for implementation specialists and qualified trainers to facilitate this transition.

Presently, that demand has changed noticeably. Instead of transitioning from paper to software, EHR implementations primarily involve transitions between different software systems.

Similarly, the need for EHR trainers has changed as more healthcare professionals have acquired proficiency in using EHR systems. Teaching individuals to navigate EHRs is considerably easier today compared to a decade ago, reflecting the widespread familiarity with these systems among healthcare workers.

Following the surge in EHR implementations, organizations began tailoring tools to align with their specific operational requirements. This necessitated the expertise of numerous Health IT analysts to bring these customizations to fruition.

Over time, foundation EHR systems evolved to identify and integrate optimal workflows directly into their platforms. This led to the emergence of projects that would undo complex customizations, reverting back to the foundational system build and adopting the pre-built workflows provided by the EHR.

The fact that many workflows no longer required creation from the ground up simplified the role for many EHR analysts and led to the change in demand for EHR analysts.

An area experiencing notable growth is the realm of data utilization. With a wealth of information at our disposal, the focus shifts towards leveraging it to make informed decisions for patient care. Roles in data science, data analysis, report writing, and cloud-related positions are witnessing a surge in demand.

Alongside this data surge, the introduction of AI is reshaping the landscape. While AI roles remain relatively niche and not fully defined, they are poised for significant expansion in the future.

After the healthcare systems implemented EHRs, many have turned their attention to transforming their business offices with enterprise systems such as HR, Finance, Supply Chain, and Service Management - leading to a surge in demand for skilled application experts in those respective areas including analysts, project managers, and change management experts.Furthermore, the need for integration specialists persists as a significant need for healthcare organizations.

The trajectory of Health IT over the past decade reflects a dynamic landscape marked by rapid evolution and adaptation. From the initial surge in demand for EHR implementation specialists and trainers to the current emphasis on data utilization and emerging roles in AI, the field has continuously evolved to meet the evolving needs of healthcare organizations.

While certain skills have seen a decline in demand, others have emerged as vital components in driving innovation and efficiency within the healthcare sector. Recognizing these evolving dynamics is essential for health IT professionals.

As the demand for specific skills decreases, resulting in a surplus of talent, securing jobs may become more challenging. By staying up to date with demands, professionals can proactively adjust to market shifts, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable.

As Health IT continues to evolve, it is essential for professionals to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies to remain effective in their roles and contribute to the ongoing transformation of healthcare delivery.

The graph below illustrates the evolution of skills over recent years and provides a glimpse into future predictions. (Please note that this graph is not drawn to scale; its purpose is to visually depict the changes discussed in this article.)