Expect large institutions to make significant IT investments; RHIOs will still struggle with architecture and governance models; EMRs creep closer to reality, and health plans will continue to implement consumer-directed vendor partnerships.
So says Forrester health care analyst Eric Brown as he examines the industry landscape for the coming year. Digital HealthCare & Productivity spent some time talking with Brown, who launched Forrester’s health care practice in 1999 and now serves as research vice president.
Meanwhile, IT Healthbeat says spending will be up for the next five years: “Annual health IT spending is expected to increase from $6.9 billion in 2007 to $10.8 billion in 2012, according to a study released Monday by market research firm Input, Government Health IT reports. Overall, the health IT market will expand at a rate of 8.6% annually.”