The Top 10 Posts of 2024

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our Top 10 Posts of 2024. Healthcare IT continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with leaders in the field tackling challenges like cybersecurity threats, EMR migrations, and automation pitfalls. At the same time, they strive to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. Our top 10 posts of 2024 reflect the pressing priorities and emerging trends that shaped healthcare technology.

From expert advice on integrating automation responsibly to managing insider risks and application overload, this list captures the topics driving conversations among healthcare IT leaders. We’ve also included interviews with executives who shared candid perspectives on innovation, organizational challenges, and navigating complex landscapes.

Whether you’re looking to revisit these engaging pieces or catching up on the stories you missed, this roundup provides a glimpse into the key discussions that defined healthcare IT in 2024. Below, we recap the top 10 most-viewed posts of the year and why they stood out.

1 Avoiding “Automated Dysfunction”: What to Know When Incorporating Automation into the Strategy

Automation holds incredible potential for streamlining processes, but it also brings unique challenges if not implemented thoughtfully. This post explores common pitfalls that can derail automation efforts. With actionable strategies, it provides CIOs with the tools needed to ensure automation supports long-term goals instead of creating new inefficiencies.
Quoted: Karen Marhefka, Deputy CIO at RWJBarnabas Health; Ash Goel, MD, SVP & CIO, Bronson Healthcare; Ross Stoddard, Chief Strategy Officer, Simetria Health

2 Change from Change: How Solid Cybersecurity Practices Can Prevent Catastrophic Attacks

Cybersecurity continues to be a top concern for healthcare IT leaders. This article emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies to protect against evolving threats. It highlights lessons from recent attacks and offers practical guidance for building resilient systems.
Quoted: Chris Akeroyd, CIO at Children’s Health; Chris Bowen, CISO/Founder, ClearDATA; Vince Fitzpatrick, Director of Information Security, ChristianaCare

3 “This Takes Time”: How CIOs Are Navigating the Road to Integration and Automation

Healthcare leaders face mounting pressure to achieve seamless system integration. This piece examines the complexities of integrating disparate systems and the need for a phased approach. Through real-world examples, it underscores that successful integration requires patience, collaboration, and a focus on incremental progress.
Quoted: John Henderson, CIO, CHOC Children’s; Grace Nam, Strategic Solutions Manager, Healthcare, Laserfiche; Shafiq Rab, MD, Chief Digital Officer & System CIO, Tufts Medicine

4 How To Deal With A No-Filter Problem

Although written in 2016, this classic post remains relevant in 2024, resonating with readers facing challenges around candid communication in professional settings. It provides tips for fostering transparency without alienating team members, offering a timeless guide for improving workplace dynamics.
By: John Mason, CIO, Hill Country Memorial Hospital

5 Managing Insider Risk Takes “Layers of Protection,” Not “Perfection”

Managing insider threats is an ongoing challenge for healthcare organizations. This article outlines the importance of a layered security approach, combining technology, training, and clear policies. It reminds readers that perfection isn’t the goal—resilience is.
Quoted: Nick Culbertson, Co-founder and CEO, Protenus; Brian Cayer, CISO, Keck Medicine of USC; Nicole Brown, Privacy Manager, City of Hope

6 Crowd Control: The Uphill Battle CIOs Face in Managing Applications

As applications proliferate, healthcare CIOs are tasked with reigning in costs and redundancies. This post dives into strategies for managing sprawling application portfolios, including rationalization techniques and fostering collaboration between IT and clinical teams.
Quoted: Julie Eastman, SVP and CIO, UCI Health; Jackie Rice, SVP & CIO, Frederick Health; Tom Barnett, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Baptist Memorial Health Care; Jim Jacobs, President & CEO, Mediquant

7 Q&A with Health First VP and CIO Michael Carr: “Don’t Create Roadblocks.”

In this candid interview, Michael Carr shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to innovation. He discusses how fostering open communication and empowering teams can drive meaningful change within health systems.
Quoted: Michael Carr, VP and CIO, Health First

8 Getting a Deep Understanding of User Workflows Key to Driving Change, Says Eric Jimenez, CIO, Artesia General Hospital

Eric Jimenez highlights the critical role of understanding user workflows in driving successful change initiatives. This post explores his insights on how CIOs can bridge the gap between IT and clinical staff to achieve alignment and efficiency.
Quoted: Eric Jimenez, CIO, Artesia General Hospital

9 Data Quality Improvement Must Precede EMR Migration

Migrating to a new EMR system can bring significant benefits, but only if the underlying data is reliable. This post outlines why prioritizing data quality is essential and shares practical steps for ensuring clean, actionable data.
Quoted: Karen “K” Marhefka, deputy CIO, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health; Rich Amelio, VP, Healthcare IT Operations & Consulting, e4Health; Bessie Jay, Director of Integration & Technical Application Support, Emory Health

10 Q&A with Bob Schlotfelt, Executive Director, CISO, Valleywise Health: “A My Way or the Highway Approach Doesn’t Work in Healthcare”

Bob Schlotfelt’s leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration and adaptability. In this insightful Q&A, he discusses why rigid approaches often fail in healthcare and shares tips for fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation.
Quoted: Bob Schlotfelt, Executive Director and CISO, Valleywise Health

In conclusion, as we reflect on our Top 10 Posts of 2024, it’s clear that healthcare IT has navigated significant challenges and transformation. We are looking forward to 2025 and exploring new developments in the evolving landscape of healthcare IT. Thank you for engaging with us this year—here’s to another year of innovation, growth, and collaboration!