Gartner looks beyond 2012, sees big changes for payers, providers

In its roundup of top predictions for IT organizations and users, Gartner, Inc. has forecasted new and innovative uses of technology from healthcare payers, integrated delivery systems, government and consumers.

As budgets, technologies and costs become more fluid and distributed, Gartner analysts said, there would be big changes in control for IT organizations. The firm's report, "Top Industry Predicts 2012: Industries Face intensified Consumerization and Technology Disruption," spotlights developments that CIOs, senior business executives and IT leaders – in healthcare and other industries – should factor into their enterprise planning and strategy-setting initiatives.

[See also: ECRI Institute issues 2012 technology watch list for hospital execs.]

"Many industry business models will be challenged through 2015 as customers continue to adopt an always-connected digital lifestyle and market competitors exploit emerging technologies to achieve business growth and success," said Kimberly Harris-Ferrante, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner.

She noted that "cloud computing and social media will continue to provide industries with new avenues for effective customer communication and engagement, facilitating increased revenue and sustainable interaction with key customers," and that "new technologies such as media tablets and advances in mobile will have a disruptive impact on many industries, requiring changes to existing processes and propelling business transformation."

[See also: Gartner spotlights supply chain top 25.]

Among Gartner's predictions affecting the healthcare industry in the coming years: