Healthcare operations remain challenging, but 2025 brings opportunities to address persistent issues like tight resources, technology sprawl, rising costs, and cybersecurity threats. The latest symplr Compass Survey Report offers a clear view of what’s weighing on healthcare leaders and the difficulties they face in tackling these pressures.
Here’s a straight talk on where things stand, what’s changing, and how leaders can make real progress this year.
Overloaded tech environments
Many healthcare systems are struggling under the weight of excessive and uncoordinated technology. IT leaders are managing from 150-500 different software solutions just for healthcare operations. This fragmented approach wastes time and resources, dilutes efficiency, and makes governance and security nightmarish.
On the brighter side, 80% of leaders agree that consolidating tech can reclaim time and improve operations. Steps to achieve this include:
- Vendor consolidation. Reduce the number of platforms and focus on solutions that integrate seamlessly. Existing vendors take on importance as two-thirds of healthcare IT leaders look to them first for new functionality before evaluating new vendors and offerings.
- Encourage cross-functional input. Including clinicians in purchasing decisions ensures tools meet real-world needs and boosts adoption.
Financial pressures continue
Healthcare leaders remain under significant financial stress. Inflation, reimbursement struggles, and rising expenses are common hurdles. Some organizations are weathering these pressures better by adopting smarter strategies, such as:
- Focusing on optimizing existing resources. By improving workflows, reducing waste, and maximizing the use of current equipment and staff, organizations can achieve better outcomes without requiring significant financial investments by improving productivity.
- Building partnerships with vendors. Shifting from transactional supplier relationships to collaborative, long-term partnerships has helped organizations cut costs and improve outcomes.
Staffing remains a top concern
Time management continues to be one of the most critical issues for healthcare organizations. Over half of clinicians (51%) identify staffing shortages as a major challenge, with administrative burdens taking up valuable hours each day. A staggering 85% of clinicians report losing more than an hour daily on tasks that could be simplified or automated.
This inefficiency robs clinicians of time that could be better spent on patient care. High turnover and operational strain are direct consequences of these inefficiencies, but solutions are within reach:
- Streamlining workflows. Simplify processes to reduce unnecessary administrative steps and give clinicians more time with their patients.
- Adopting supportive technology. Leverage tools that alleviate administrative tasks and return meaningful time to clinicians.
Cybersecurity takes priority
Cybersecurity has shifted into sharp focus for healthcare IT leaders, with most naming it their top priority. The rising number of cyberattacks, coupled with the hefty financial impact of data breaches—averaging $7 million per incident—has made this an urgent concern.
However, these cybersecurity efforts can create tension with clinical teams, who often feel their operational priorities are sidelined by governance at the enterprise level. To bridge this gap, organizations need to prioritize collaboration.
- Foster open communication. IT and clinical leaders should align through regular discussions to balance security needs with workflow and operational goals.
- Audit existing software systems. Nearly half of organizations haven’t reviewed their technology in the past year, leaving vulnerabilities unchecked. Assessments can identify redundancies and unused features while improving security.
Key takeaways for 2025
The challenges in healthcare won’t fix themselves, but decisive actions can lead to meaningful improvements.
- Get everyone on the same page. IT, clinical, and operational leaders need to work together with clear and shared priorities to avoid misalignment and wasted efforts.
- Make the most of what you already have. Before investing in new technology, take a close look at your current tools. Many underused features could already solve some of your problems.
- Support staff and address burnout. Simplify processes and leverage AI or other tools to ease workloads, freeing up staff to focus on making a difference for patients.
Healthcare operations are under a lot of pressure, but targeted, practical strategies can create real progress. By building collaboration, streamlining workflows, and focusing on staff well-being, 2025 can become a turning point. What matters most is working toward efficient operations, better patient care, and empowered healthcare teams.
