In a recent survey of 21 hospital IT leaders conducted by CHIME on behalf of Harmony Healthcare IT, respondents shared candid advice revealing the priorities and pressures shaping the profession in 2026.
The survey, which explored how the hospital IT role is evolving from technology enabler to strategic partner, found that 81% of IT leaders report greater involvement in strategic business decisions over the past three years, while 86% say clinical teams and C-suite executives increasingly recognize IT’s impact on patient outcomes. Read the full 2026 report here.
When asked to share their top advice for peers heading into 2026, respondents’ guidance highlighted three key themes:
On Leadership:
- “Engage the business leaders as much as possible and allow them to prioritize IT projects understanding the limited resources available.”
- “Ensure your voice is heard!”
- “Collaborate with clinical.”
- “You must continue to highlight the success of your collective teams and behind the scenes efforts at the top, executive, and strategic level.”
- “Partner with the CISO/CFO and executive team to educate them on the risk associated with not investing in IT and Cyber Security.”
On IT Priorities:
- “Focus on what will bring rapid value.”
- “Find creative ways to help slow the rise of IT cost and bring value (revenue) to the organization.”
- “Prioritize based on biggest benefit, since resources are strained.”
- “Efficiencies and cost savings will be key to the future success of our health systems.”
- “Budgets are going to drive rationalization and automation is king.”
On AI Strategy:
- “Focus on AI-driven transformation with strong governance and cybersecurity, while building a culture that’s agile, data-driven, and relentlessly centered on patient and consumer value.”
- “Carefully select what AI projects to ensure ROI and adoption.”
The common thread running through all this advice? Hospital IT leaders heading into 2026 should focus on building strong clinical and executive partnerships, prioritizing initiatives that deliver measurable efficiency and ROI, and developing AI strategies tailored to their organization’s unique needs and capabilities.
These themes reflect the broader evolution documented in the survey: as IT leaders gain strategic influence, they must balance expanded opportunities with intensifying resource constraints and rising expectations.
Want to explore the full survey findings? Read the full 2026 Healthcare IT Pulse Report to learn more about where IT influence is growing, where critical collaboration gaps remain, and what the data reveals about the future of hospital IT leadership.
