This week was a fantastic week spending time with professional colleagues from around the country representing thousands of hospitals. There were many excellent educational sessions and plenty of time to network. Over 750 attendees with most of the attendees being CIOs in healthcare.
As I made the rounds and chatted with many people, it became rather clear. We are all addressing similar issues and the role of the healthcare CIO is rapidly changing... for the better I believe but some are struggling with their leadership's view on the CIO role. At this time in healthcare history, the CIO role, expertise, knowledge and ability to look across an organization rather than a silo is extremely important. If meaningful use is not achieved, it will become the CIOs issue. Why? It's a simple person to blame and the excuses are easy. Go ahead and pick one:
1) The wrong technology was selected and since the CIO deals with technology..Bang!
2) The physicians didn't accept the technology and therefore the fault of the CIO.. Bang!
3) Meaningful use? How can we achieve that without physician acceptance and since the docs are not accepting the technology...Bang!
OK, so what is a CIO to do? I think it's decision time for all CIOs. Are you in the right organization? Use your vision and see where the ship is heading. Right direction? If not, how can we change the course? Very easy... by using the structure of the organizational complexities to our benefit which will be the benefit of the organization in the long run. But, this can only be done if you are able to have the opportunity to have the conversation with key leaders. But wait, what if you do not have that opportunity... if an organization does not value the CIO role and important function as part of the transformational leadership team then you have two choices:
1) Go find another CIO role
2) Go into consulting
Many opportunities with both options but at the end, if you believe in the purpose of the CIO, you will not only probably be happier professionally but also be more meaningful to healthcare and the patients we have the privilege to serve... Become the Meaningful CIO.
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