"The IT department is truly the catalyst for activity and the driver for action," she said. “They understand the vital and ongoing role each of them plays in ensuring quality patient care with health IT.”

[See also: IT adoption is a 'clinical project'.]

With pressure mounting for IT teams to perform, Boone outlined nine ways to support your health IT team to ensure their success.

1. Get them involved: For Boone, a happy work environment extends beyond just the IT team. She suggests forming an enterprise-wide committee to evaluate progress and deadlines on a regular basis. “At least one IT staff member should be part of this decision-making team," she said.

2. Note their talent: Recognizing and depending on the talent found within your IT team is vital to both their happiness and the success of the organization. Boone said relying on the expertise at your fingertips will enable the growth of IT implementation and activities.

3. Be realistic: If anyone knows the time involved in implementation and upgrades, it's your IT team. Look to them to gauge the time it will take to get your next project up and running. "Set project goals and timelines for each milestone,” Boone said. “Partner with stakeholder departments to communicate to all involved.”

4. Share best practices: Look to your peers for new ways to address IT. “Other professionals and organizations have information to share on their health IT journey or process,” said Boone. She suggests inviting others to share successes and challenges they’ve had with their own IT teams. “Visit hospitals in the area for an in-person review and discussion,” she said.

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