The role of health system CIO is becoming increasingly complex and IT chiefs are having to learn to share duties with new tech-focused C-suite leaders, according to a new report from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and KLAS Research.
The newer leaders include chief analytics and data officers, chief innovation officers, and chief information security officers.
"As specialized leadership positions gain prominence in areas like security, data analytics, telehealth and innovation, it is increasingly important to establish clear boundaries and relationships, ensuring that each leader can effectively contribute to the organization's overarching digital health strategy," wrote the report's authors, which also included market intelligence firm Digital Health Analytics.
Many CIOs still take on duties such as innovation and data analytics, the survey found. Larger health systems are more likely to have a dedicated CISO or chief innovation officer, for instance. The number of health systems with a CISO increased by 8% from 2022 to 2023.
Here is who is primarily responsible for each tech specialty, according to the survey of 315 IT executives, covering the digital profiles of about 40% of U.S. hospitals:
Cybersecurity
1. CISO, VP of IT security, etc.: 60%
2. CIO: 23%
3. Non-executive team member: 12%
4. Other executive: 3%
5. Outsourced: 2%
Analytics/data management
1. CIO: 34%
2. Chief data/analytics officer, etc.: 32%
3. Non-executive team member: 16%
4. Other executive: 16%
5. Outsourced: 1%
No data/analytics leader: 1%
Innovation
1. CIO: 55%
2. Chief innovation/technology officer, etc.: 30%
3. Non-executive team member: 6%
4. Other executive: 3%
5. Outsourced: 1%
No innovation leader: 1%