#USA #Madison #Healthcare IT #Managed Services #Nordic Consulting

Understanding the Change in Healthcare IT Strategy

Nordic Consulting has recently published a survey revealing a transformative shift in how managed services are perceived in healthcare IT. The 2026 survey highlights that application managed services (AMS) are no longer just a band-aid solution for healthcare organizations facing staffing shortages. Instead, these services are now viewed as an essential component of IT operations across many healthcare systems.

With 61% of healthcare IT leaders stating that outsourced managed services are now central to their strategic plans, it’s clear that the landscape of healthcare IT is changing. As healthcare organizations navigate the complexities associated with platforms like Epic and deal with tighter margins, the demand for strong IT infrastructures has never been greater.

According to Steve Eckert, Chief Growth Officer at Nordic, this shift in mindset marks a significant departure from approaching managed services merely as temporary staffing solutions. Organizations are beginning to see the value of AMS in contributing to a sustainable operational model. These systems are designed to manage governance, maintain data stability, and bolster internal capacities as the technological landscape continues to evolve.

Varied Perceptions Among Providers

Interestingly, the survey’s findings indicate a divide in how urban and rural healthcare providers are incorporating AMS into their operations. Urban organizations lead the way, with around 70% of respondents citing these services as integral to their IT strategy. In contrast, only 43% of rural organizations share this perspective. This disparity reveals different motivations for the adoption of AMS based on the specific needs and conditions of the organizations.

Tabitha Lieberman, Senior Vice President at Nordic, explains that this variety suggests healthcare systems are not viewing AMS through a singular lens anymore. Urban institutions are leveraging managed services as strategic catalysts for transformation, focusing on optimization, analytics, compliance, and innovation. In contrast, rural community health systems typically view AMS in more operational terms, emphasizing the importance of quick responses, stable staff allocations, and thorough training.

The Desire for Operational Resilience

For many rural organizations, managed services serve as a critical support mechanism that bridges workforce gaps and supports continuity. These groups often prioritize practical factors such as better documentation and enhanced after-hours support in their adoption of AMS. This operational approach shows that managed services are often seen as resources that help organizations manage day-to-day challenges more effectively, rather than just a way to manage workloads during peak times.

Across the board, there is a consistent theme emerging: regardless of geography or organizational size, healthcare leaders are keen on models that improve performance while simultaneously ensuring visibility and accountability in outsourced services. Expectations across various health systems highlight the importance of clear communication, proactive support, and a well-defined ownership structure in managing these relationships effectively.

Maturing Market

As the healthcare managed services market continues to mature, organizations are now evaluating AMS decisions not simply as a temporary alignment with workforce needs but as a fundamental element in refining their strategic IT operating model. Increasingly, this involves preparing for digital transformation and enhancing capabilities in AI, data modernization, and workflow improvements.

The results of Nordic's survey underscore a paradigm shift within the healthcare managed services domain, suggesting that this critical element of IT strategy will continue to gain prominence. Providers are beginning to realize the long-term benefits of adopting managed services as they navigate an ever-complex healthcare environment.

For more insights into how Nordic can assist healthcare providers in adapting to these changes, visit NordicGlobal.com.

About Nordic

Nordic Consulting is a pioneer in healthcare technology consulting. Dedicated to supporting healthcare delivery, Nordic partners with organizations to address complex technological and business challenges. By combining strategic insights with practical execution, Nordic helps clients optimize their healthcare technology and improve care delivery outcomes.