May 26, 2020
Technology and healthcare have long been intertwined but never before has it played such a substantial a part in transforming today’s healthcare organizations. Technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality — things that didn’t exist not long ago — will now all play their parts in this fascinating landscape. Healthcare organizations are forgoing traditional staffing and assembling the niche talent required to achieve their modern goals. This boom has left the door wide open for the implementation specialist. The implementation specialist — also known as the implementation consultant — is an essential role within any healthcare organization rolling out new technologies, and the fact of the matter is that most organizations are doing just that. Global healthcare expenditure is expected to increase to $750 billion in 2020, opening the door for new technologies and digital transformation.
What is a Healthcare Implementation Specialist?
Across several industries, the implementation specialist is there to ensure new services or tools are properly configured and that those who will use them are properly trained to achieve the desired goals. Implementation specialists are needed in many settings, such as schools, financial institutions, hotels and so much more, including healthcare organizations. The healthcare implementation specialist is responsible for integration and training support of new technologies and systems within healthcare organizations. They’re the type of individuals who are not only quick to learn new technologies, but able to distill the essentials down to the layperson. In today’s healthcare landscape, a good healthcare implementation specialist is critical.
Healthcare Implementation Specialist Responsibilities
While each organization has its own nuances, the typical responsibilities of the implementation specialist will look like this.
1. Integration
Today’s healthcare organizations are likely already utilizing modern technologies, and it’s important that any new additions function within existing systems. Today’s solutions are often built with integration in mind, but it’s up to the implementation specialist to bring about that alignment.
2. Analysis
Implementation specialists don’t just walk in, set up equipment, and leave. They need to learn about the organization, its goals, its departments, and exactly how each member will be using the equipment to achieve those business goals. It’s critical to review the workflow process before making any decisions.
3. Training
Training has two key parts. The first is hands-on, onsite training for anyone who will be using the new systems. Oftentimes various departments will use the same technologies for different goals, and each will need its own specialized training. Additionally, it’s essential that each team receive training and usage manuals.
4. Continued Support
With today’s connected systems, new software updates and patches are constantly pushed live. Oftentimes there won’t be any major changes in the day-to-day functioning of these technologies, but it’s important that the specialist stays up to date with these changes, in the case that major upgrades are made.