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Managed IT Services for Healthcare: Your Guide to Effective Solutions

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31 October 2024
Hollie Agombar
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Healthcare has its own set of unique speeds to help accommodate the different patients who come through its doors. While managing patient data is crucial, finding ways to streamline healthcare operations without wasting time or risking security breaches is just as critical.

In this blog, we will explore what managed healthcare services can do.

What Are Managed IT Services for Healthcare?

Managed IT Services are outsourced tech services that include monitoring, support, security, and maintenance, but they have been adapted for the complex needs of healthcare.

They cover everything from protecting patient data (hello, HIPAA) to ensuring smooth electronic health records (EHR) access without downtime or data loss.

For healthcare facilities, it's about creating a seamless digital environment so staff can focus on patients, not troubleshooting tech issues.

But why is this important for healthcare?

Because healthcare relies on fast, reliable, and secure tech more than almost any other industry, managed IT Services give healthcare providers the tools to deliver safe, high-quality care every day.

Key Benefits of Managed IT Services for Healthcare

As of October 2021, nearly 28 million adults in the UK were registered with NHS login, the service supporting the NHS App meaning its even more important to have a fully functioning it support and management system.

1. Enhanced Security

Patient data is sacred, and data breaches are not only a risk but a costly risk.

Managed IT Services prioritise cybersecurity with firewalls, multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection, and more. Third-party managed services providers also maintain regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GDPR) so healthcare providers don’t risk fines or reputational damage.

Without Managed IT, healthcare teams could be vulnerable to security threats they didn’t see coming.

2. 24/7 Support & Monitoring

Healthcare doesn’t take a break, and neither should your IT.

With Managed IT, you get round-the-clock monitoring and support. It means detecting and resolving issues before they snowball into real problems.

This can be the difference between a brief outage and a major disruption to patient care, and with 24/7 support, clinicians and staff get the help they need anytime, which is essential when lives are on the line.

3. Data Backup and Recovery

When patient records are at stake, data loss is not an option.

Managed IT Services include data backup solutions that keep critical information secure. If there’s an outage, a data loss incident, or even a natural disaster, backups can be restored quickly.

No more worrying about critical data disappearing when you need it most.

4. Compliance Made Easier

Healthcare has strict data privacy laws. Failure to comply can lead to serious penalties.

Managed IT Services can handle the heavy lifting with compliance audits, automatic updates, and continuous monitoring. This way, you’re compliant and protected from new threats that crop up with each regulation change.

5. Cost-Efficiency

Hiring an in-house IT team that understands healthcare can be pricey, and managed IT Services offer the expertise without the high overheads.

Instead of hiring multiple full-time staff, you get an outsourced team equipped with healthcare-specific knowledge, ready to support your IT needs as you grow.

Can Managed Services Help Healthcare Organisations Grow?

Managed services are outsourced IT solutions managed by a third-party provider or Managed Services Provider (MSP). These services cover everything from IT operations, email, and help desk support to data security and cloud hosting.

MSPs monitor, update, and manage your IT systems remotely, typically under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that outlines key performance indicators like uptime, 24/7 support, and post-event Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to drive continual improvements.

Run-Grow-Transform Model

MSPs not only keep IT services running smoothly but also drive innovation, growth, and transformation. Following the "Run-Grow-Transform" model, inspired by Gartner, successful transformation depends on a stable IT foundation where existing systems are maintained and improved.

Outsourcing IT maintenance allows an organisation’s IT team to focus on advancing and transforming operations instead of getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks. By outsourcing network management, application updates, device management, and 24/7 service desk support, internal teams can dedicate their time to strategic initiatives that align with the organisation's goals.

However, some healthcare organisations only consider external support after experiencing issues such as failing systems, dissatisfied users, or budget overruns. In such cases, consultants may address immediate problems, but once they depart, internal teams are often left with unresolved backlogs. This can lead to an endless cycle of service requests, with IT teams continually working to catch up.

Selecting the Right Managed Services Provider

Choosing the right Managed Services Provider (MSP) for your healthcare organization requires careful consideration. Here are key questions to guide the process:

  • What are my primary IT challenges? Identify the main issues you need help with so that the MSP can effectively address your pain points.
  • What services are needed? Outline the specific services required, such as infrastructure management, application support, or cybersecurity, to clarify the scope of work.
  • What is the timeline for assistance? Consider both immediate and long-term needs to ensure the MSP can provide timely support as your organization evolves.
  • What level of involvement do I prefer? Based on how much control you'd like to retain, decide if you want a fully integrated approach or a complete handoff to the MSP.
  • Will services be remote or on-site? Assess whether remote support meets your needs or if you require on-site resources for certain tasks.
  • How will success be measured? Define key performance indicators to track MSP performance and ensure alignment with your organization’s goals.

How Silver Lining Supports Healthcare Professionals with Managed IT

Silver Lining offers managed IT support tailored to the healthcare sector, ensuring systems run securely, efficiently, and without interruption. Our IT management covers everything from infrastructure and proactive monitoring to 24/7 troubleshooting, reducing downtime and enabling healthcare providers to focus on patient care. With robust cybersecurity solutions, we protect sensitive patient data through continuous monitoring, threat detection, and encryption that align with healthcare regulations, helping providers maintain compliance and data integrity.

Additionally, Silver Lining provides scalable, adaptable solutions to support growth, whether you're expanding services or implementing digital records. Our proactive support model identifies potential issues early, minimizing disruptions, while our reliable backup and recovery solutions safeguard critical data. We work closely with each healthcare provider to develop custom IT strategies that align with their unique needs, helping build a secure, resilient IT environment that supports quality care and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Managed IT Services for Healthcare

1. Are Managed IT Services Necessary for Smaller Healthcare Clinics?

Yes. Smaller clinics still handle sensitive patient data and can be targeted by cyber threats. Managed IT Services ensure even small clinics get robust cybersecurity, compliance support, and data backup, often with scalable options that make them affordable.

2. How Does Managed IT Improve Patient Care?

Managed IT ensures that tech issues don’t disrupt patient care. With fast EHR access, secure data, and reliable systems, clinicians can focus on providing care instead of dealing with tech headaches. It’s about creating a safer, faster patient experience.

3. What Happens If We Experience an IT Issue Outside of Office Hours?

One of the best parts about Managed IT Services is 24/7 support and monitoring. If an issue arises, it’s identified and often resolved before it impacts your team. Whether it's a network outage or a minor glitch, your IT provider has you covered.

4. Is Managed IT Secure Enough for HIPAA Compliance?

Yes. Managed IT providers implement multiple layers of security, such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits, all aligned with HIPAA requirements. Many providers even have specialists who focus solely on healthcare compliance.

5. How Do Managed IT Services Handle Data Backup?

Managed IT providers typically use cloud-based or hybrid solutions for data backup. This means your data is regularly copied to secure servers, so it can be restored quickly if there’s an incident. Plus, it’s stored with encryption for added security.

Strategies to Maximise the Benefits of Managed IT in Healthcare

Here’s how healthcare providers can make the most of Managed IT Services:

  • Choose a Provider with Healthcare Expertise: It’s not just about tech skills. You need a team that understands healthcare regulations and risks.
  • Prioritise Cybersecurity: Ensure your provider offers robust security, from endpoint protection to threat detection.
  • Invest in Staff Training: Teach your staff basic cybersecurity practices. Managed IT can help with this, making sure everyone knows how to stay safe.
  • Review Regularly: Set up regular meetings with your provider to review your setup, ensure compliance, and update protocols as needed.
  • Use Data Backup Services: Don’t skimp on data protection. Ensure your Managed IT provider has a plan for instant backup and recovery.

If you're in healthcare and serious about protecting patient data, staying compliant, and cutting IT costs, consider Managed IT Services.

They’re the behind-the-scenes partner your practice needs to provide better, faster, and safer patient care every day.

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31 October 2024

Managed IT Services for Healthcare: Your Guide to Effective Solutions

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