Key findings

• More than 60 percent of responding CIOs reported that IT staffing deficiencies would possibly (51 percent) or definitely (10 percent) affect their chances to implement an EHR and receive stimulus funding.
• CIOs expressed growing concern about retaining existing staff as pressures mount to quickly implement clinical systems.
• More than 70 percent of respondents reported their organizations lacked staff to implement clinical applications.
• CIOs reported they would used a variety of strategies to meet immediate needs, especially the hiring of third-party consultants, also hiring from within and train for health IT work, and tapping recruiters for help.
• Slightly more than half of the CIOs responding said they would request budget increases to address the shortages, but for most respondents, spending increases are expected to be minimal in 2011.
• The most commonly mentioned approaches for staff retention included flexible work schedules, telecommuting, employee recognition programs and training, education and development.