Hospital executives are backing technology and expect the healthcare industry will continue to rely on healthcare IT going forward, according to a new survey.
The execs are also optimistic about hospital finances, according to the 2016 Middle Market Healthcare Outlook, published today by CIT Group, a financial services firm.
"Technology is clearly seen as having a crucial – and beneficial – role within the healthcare industry," CIT Group concludes. At least eight in 10 executives believe consumers should be – and are – using technology to improve quality and cost.
Healthcare executives indicated a positive outlook for 2016, with 71 percent expecting their revenues to increase this year and 55 percent planning to seek financing in the next 12 months.
"The majority of the surveyed healthcare executives remain optimistic, expecting similar growth to last year in revenue, prices, volume and capital spending," said William Douglass, group head and managing director, CIT Healthcare Finance.
"With a promising financial outlook, it is not surprising that nearly half of executives surveyed also believe that capital spending will increase in the coming year," he added. "Moreover, the need for financing is expected to hold steady or increase."
On the down side, nearly 88 percent cite data security as a clear concern that must be addressed. Other key findings include:
- 53 percent expect healthcare M&A Activity to increase in next 12 months
- 88 percent agree that technology is helping provide better quality 91 percent feel that consumers will be unable to endure any higher costs than what they face right now
- 78 percent of executives believe the government should maintain at least some role in and authority over the healthcare industry.
- 72 percent indicate their sector is on track with the rest of the industry on how to best measure outcomes.
- 91 percent feel that consumers will be unable to endure any higher costs than what they face right now.
The study was conducted online by the Harris Poll on behalf of CIT among 164 healthcare executives.
