Physicians - find yourself a good It consultant and hang on to them.  BD

As physicians further embrace technology, they encounter a practical problem -- how to make sure they have someone ready to solve the technical problems new technology brings.

Eventually, though, in both scenarios, a big question rears its ugly head: Who's going to take care of these beasts?

Health care organizations, including physician practices, are finding that nurturing a computer system can be a big job -- and one that requires not only time and effort but specific expertise as well.

The problem is, as more physicians move toward automation, it will become increasingly difficult to hire and retain the information technology talent -- whether full-time staff members, consultants or temporary workers -- required to manage computer systems, says Stanley Hochberg, MD, director of the graduate program in health informatics at Northeastern University, Boston

"We are at a phase now where we are seeing a significant increase in the implementation of electronic systems across all health care settings, including acute care organizations and outpatient practices," Dr. Hochberg says. "So, as more organizations are using electronic medical records, computerized physician ordering and e-prescribing systems, the need for information technology leaders and staff members is growing considerably -- and we are starting to see a shortage."

AMNews: July 16, 2007. Short on support: Too few in health care IT work force ... American Medical News

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