Overview: Healthcare IT teams advancing digital transformation succeed when they engage the right expertise. InterSystems consultants bring the technical knowledge to connect systems, manage data, and ensure compliance. The challenge for many organizations is finding access to those specialized resources quickly enough to keep projects moving forward.
Healthcare IT Digital Transformation Is Moving Fast
When a hospital adds a new EHR module, connects to a regional HIE, or launches a telehealth program, the goal is to improve patient care. Delivering on that goal depends on experts who can make complex systems work together.
That’s where the challenge begins. Many of the most important healthcare platforms run on InterSystems technology. HealthShare, Health Connect, IRIS for Health, and IRIS Data Platform require consultants with advanced knowledge of integration, interoperability, and performance management.
The American Health Information Management Association reports that 66% of health information leaders face persistent workforce shortages—and the gap is especially visible in technical roles. For healthcare organizations, digital transformation depends on engaging experienced InterSystems professionals who can step in and drive progress.
Why InterSystems Expertise Drives Transformation
Healthcare organizations depend on InterSystems technology for their most complex IT initiatives. These platforms support interoperability, analytics, and application development—key components of every modernization effort.
InterSystems consultants and expert technical resources support projects in several key areas:
- Interoperability — Designing HL7 and FHIR connections so information moves securely across EHRs, HIEs, labs, and partner systems.
- Data management — Configuring IRIS environments for performance, uptime, and scalability.
- Workflow support — Tailoring systems to match how clinicians and staff actually deliver care.
- Compliance — Meeting privacy and interoperability requirements while maintaining reliability.
The talent gap is clear. A HealthTech Magazine survey found only 14% of healthcare IT leaders report their security teams are fully staffed, while nearly 30% say they are understaffed or severely understaffed. These same shortages extend to integration and data management—precisely where InterSystems expertise is needed most.
InterSystems Roles and Consulting Expertise in Demand
Digital transformation projects rely on professionals who combine technical knowledge with healthcare experience. The most sought-after InterSystems consulting roles include:
- HealthShare or Health Connect integration specialists — Design and maintain secure data-sharing frameworks across organizations.
- IRIS database administrators — Optimize performance, manage backups, and ensure systems run reliably under high workloads.
- Healthcare IT project consultants — Oversee implementations, coordinate teams, and align deliverables with regulatory and clinical objectives.
Engaging experienced consultants for these roles helps healthcare organizations accelerate implementation, reduce downtime, and ensure interoperability goals are met.
Challenges in Accessing Specialized Expertise
Healthcare leaders often face similar barriers when trying to engage technical experts for InterSystems projects. Surveys show 47% of healthcare hiring managers cite a lack of qualified candidates as their top challenge, and 51% say competition for talent continues to increase.
Several factors explain these challenges:
- Specialized skill sets — IRIS and HealthShare configuration requires niche expertise.
- High competition — Health systems, government agencies, and vendors pursue the same limited pool of consultants.
- Evaluation process — Internal HR teams may not have the depth to assess technical proficiency in InterSystems environments.
- Project-based needs — Many healthcare organizations require short-term consulting support for specific phases of transformation.
Without timely access to the right consulting resources, even well-planned projects can experience costly delays.
How Healthcare Organizations Engage the Right InterSystems Experts
Organizations that move fastest on digital transformation take a structured approach to securing InterSystems expertise:
- Define project scope early — Identify the systems, data, and outcomes the project depends on to find consultants with matching experience.
- Blend short- and long-term engagements — Use short-term consultants for migrations or integrations and ongoing experts for continuous optimization.
- Prioritize healthcare knowledge — Consultants familiar with privacy, compliance, and clinical workflows deliver faster results.
- Partner with specialized firms — Working with companies that focus on InterSystems consulting gives organizations faster access to vetted, highly skilled professionals.
This approach enables healthcare organizations to maintain momentum while building internal knowledge through collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Moving Healthcare IT Digital Transformation Forward
Digital transformation succeeds when healthcare organizations have access to experienced consultants who understand both InterSystems platforms and healthcare delivery. With the right mix of expertise, teams can meet interoperability goals, strengthen data management, and sustain reliable performance across critical systems.
Henry Elliott & Company has focused on providing InterSystems consulting expertise for healthcare since 1992. Our consultants support implementation, integration, and ongoing optimization across hospitals, clinics, and health systems—helping clients develop their own proficiency with InterSystems technology.
We’re proud to have achieved Elite Status in the InterSystems Partner Program, based on performance and client satisfaction. View our Partner Profile here.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your healthcare IT digital transformation.
FAQ on Healthcare IT Digital Transformation and InterSystems Expertise
Why is InterSystems expertise important for healthcare IT digital transformation?
InterSystems platforms such as HealthShare, Health Connect, IRIS for Health, and IRIS Data Platform enable interoperability, data management, and compliance in healthcare. Engaging experienced consultants helps organizations complete projects efficiently and meet regulatory goals.
What types of InterSystems consulting expertise are most in demand?
Healthcare organizations often engage HealthShare or Health Connect integration specialists, IRIS database administrators, and project consultants who guide implementations and ongoing optimization.
What challenges do healthcare organizations face in finding InterSystems consultants?
InterSystems expertise is highly specialized, and demand exceeds supply. Healthcare organizations often compete for the same limited pool of consultants, creating delays in securing resources for key projects.
How can healthcare organizations access proven InterSystems consulting expertise?
Partnering with firms that specialize in InterSystems consulting gives organizations access to vetted experts for implementation, integration, interfaces, and ongoing support—helping projects stay on track.
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