Healthcare

Quotes:

"As genetic testing becomes more commonplace in the next few years, physicians should look to partner with genetic consultants to alleviate the glut of inquiries they'll receive, according to GartnerG2, a research service of Gartner, Inc."

"Genomics, the study of the human genome, opens the door to a better understanding of how the human body works. A crucial component of genomics is genetic testing. Genetic testing detects gene variations, many of which are linked to inherited disorders, diseases, or harmful side effects from drugs. By 2004, the number of genetic tests available in clinical practice is likely to increase dramatically. As more information about genetic testing becomes available to the general public, primary-care physicians can expect to be bombarded with questions."

"'Patients will think these tests are far more reliable, informative and predictive than they really are,' said Jonathan Edwards, senior analyst for GartnerG2. 'Most doctors will be totally unprepared to face the enormous task of managing patient expectations. Faced with patient interest and a glut of information, primary-care physicians will need to refer patients interested in genetic testing to genetic consultants.'"

Source: "GartnerG2 Says Physicians Should Prepare to Partner with Genetic Consultants as Genetic Testing Begins to Emerge," June 18, 2002

"As executive boards examine alternatives to traditional operating models to deliver greater financial performance, healthcare sourcing has become a popular trend. By 2007, 60 percent of all healthcare organizations (HCOs) will likely spend more on external IT support, consulting and outsourcing services than on internal staff says Dataquest, a unit of Gartner, Inc."

"Many hospitals and managed-care organizations are spending more than one third of their IT budget on IT consulting, outsourcing and support services, according to Gartner Dataquest."

"'The reality is that no HCO can afford to develop and manage all IT assets with internal resources,' said Suresh Gunasekaran, principal analyst for Gartner Dataquest's IT services group. 'Quite simply, as IT penetrates all departments and business functions of the enterprise, it does not make sense for HCOs to manage all assets and resources internally.'"

"Among other recommendations, Gartner Dataquest advises HCOs to develop a sourcing strategy that maximizes the value of previous IT investments and reduces business risk in the future."

Source: "Gartner Dataquest Says More Healthcare Organizations Are Turning to Outsourcing to Meet IT Demands," April 15, 2002

"Although healthcare organizations (HCOs) are increasing their spending on IT, most of these investments will not provide the improvements these organizations need, according to a new report from Gartner, Inc. Gartner analysts said the investments being made today are often too reactive and narrowly defined. Moving forward, HCOs must make investments that are fully aligned with a comprehensive IT and business strategy, and that focus on measurement and value."

"'A HCO's differentiation and market survival will require IT's measurable contribution to the business,' said Dave Garets, group vice president for Gartner. 'HCOs that succeed will take a more businesslike approach to all IT investments, including projects with risk outside of their historical comfort zones.'"

"According to Gartner’s 'Healthcare Top Ten 2002' report, which highlights the top ten IT issues facing HCOs, a major issue is the challenge of reducing medical errors. Many HCOs are considering implementing physician order entry systems to help resolve the problem. However, Gartner advises that these immature systems will only address a small fraction of the problem, and moving forward they may not be fully compatible with the more robust computer-based patient record systems that HCOs will eventually need to move to."

Source : Press Release -- "Gartner Says Healthcare IT Spending Must Be More Business-Value-Focused in 2002," January 28, 2002