Introduction

Health information (HI) is essential for overseeing the collection, management, analysis, and safeguarding of patient data.¹ HI professionals ensure the integrity, accuracy, and security of health information, which impacts patient care, healthcare delivery, and regulatory compliance. As the healthcare landscape evolves, HI plays a central role in addressing the increasing demands of data management.

As the field continues to evolve, there is growing recognition of the expanded roles and responsibilities of professionals working with health data and information systems. This shift reflects a broader understanding of the profession, extending beyond traditional management functions to include areas such as data governance, analytics, interoperability, and digital health. Consequently, the terminology used to describe the profession has also evolved in both literature and practice, with increasing adoption of the more inclusive term “health information.”

The integration of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, electronic health records (EHRs) optimization, telehealth, and patient portal management—is transforming the HI workforce.^2–5 These advancements are reshaping how healthcare organizations handle health data, leading to shifts in job roles, workflows, and competencies. AI, machine learning, and automation streamline administrative tasks, enhancing clinical decision making, and improving patient outcomes. Key changes include automation in medical coding, data governance, privacy and confidentiality, workforce training, and early disease detection.⁵ Hybrid roles combining technical and healthcare expertise are also emerging, creating new opportunities for HI professionals.⁶

These innovations present new challenges for HI professionals, including maintaining data quality and integrity, addressing privacy and security concerns, navigating ethical AI use, and ensuring regulatory compliance.⁷ Keeping up with technological change requires continuous learning and skill development.⁸ Additionally, overseeing workforce transformation is crucial, as traditional HI roles evolve, potentially leading to job displacement and a growing need for new skills.⁹

In this Commentary, the authors examine the impact of emerging technologies on healthcare organizations, HI vendors, and academic institutions–especially the effects on workforce dynamics, skill development, and technology adoption challenges. They offer recommendations to prepare HI professionals for this evolving landscape, emphasizing collaboration among organizations, vendors, and academia to ensure the HI workforce is equipped for a technology-driven healthcare environment.

Reshaping Healthcare Workforce Dynamics Through Emerging Technology

Impact on Healthcare Delivery Systems

Emerging technologies are reshaping healthcare organizations, particularly in the area of workforce development. The widespread adoption of telehealth, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded care delivery, requiring staff training in new tools like virtual consultation platforms and remote patient monitoring. Telehealth is also transforming how patient information is collected and managed. HI professionals must adapt to virtual appointment scheduling and management, secure sharing of visit notes, prescriptions, and laboratory reports through patient portals, and ensuring data security and privacy in remote care settings.¹⁰ This shift has created new roles like telehealth coordinators and remote patient support staff to manage virtual care operations.^11,12

Patient portal platforms have become essential in healthcare facilities, transforming how patient information is managed and communicated. These platforms enhance patient engagement by providing real-time access to health records, appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and secure messaging. Patient portals empower patients to take a more active role in managing their health while enabling providers to share critical information more efficiently.¹³ It is increasingly important for HI professionals to develop a foundational understanding of natural language processing (NLP) and chatbot functionality within patient portals, including basic terminology, practical use cases, and implications for data privacy and security. These competencies are increasingly important as HI professionals support the integration of emerging technologies into tools such as patient portals and chatbots, enhancing patient engagement and facilitating more efficient healthcare delivery.

As patient portals become integral to the daily operations of healthcare organizations, HI professionals are assuming new and vital roles in their management. These roles include coordinating portal functions, enhancing user experience, and developing policies for secure access, identity verification, and information release, as well as troubleshooting technical issues and assisting patients with portal usage.¹³ HI professionals are ensuring these platforms improve patient care by promoting seamless communication and the exchange of vital health information.

Additionally, the growing reliance on data-driven technologies, such as AI and machine learning, has created opportunities for healthcare professionals to transition from routine tasks to more analytical roles.^2,14 AI systems, for instance, assist clinicians by analyzing large datasets and providing insights that improve patient care, reducing the time spend on data processing. This shift has increased demand for more data-savvy roles, such as clinical informatics specialists and health data analysts, to ensure the accurate interpretation and use of health data. Examples of emerging analytical roles for HI professionals include clinical data analysts, who interpret patient data to support clinical decision making; AI compliance specialists, who ensure that AI tools meet regulatory and ethical standards; and revenue cycle optimization analysts, who use predictive analytics to improve billing accuracy and financial performance. These roles reflect the profession’s shift from transactional tasks to data-driven decision support in a digital healthcare environment.

The integration of AI has reshaped traditional HI responsibilities by automating repetitive functions and enhancing decision making. For example, in coding, AI-assisted tools can automatically assign diagnostic and procedural codes, while HI professionals validate these outputs and ensure compliance with coding standards. In documentation integrity, instead of manually reviewing every record, professionals now supervise the output of AI-generated clinical summaries to ensure accuracy and completeness. Similarly, release of information processes is increasingly supported by automation that filters and redacts sensitive content, with HI professionals overseeing final authorization and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. These changes shift the role of HI professionals from manual task execution to supervisory, quality assurance, and analytical functions.

The integration of advanced health IT systems, such as EHRs and Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), has required HI professionals to take on more strategic roles in data governance, security, and interoperability.¹⁵ These changes have increased the need for specialized skills to manage complex data workflows, ensure seamless integration, and maintain data integrity across systems.¹⁶ Technology is not only enhancing patient care and operational efficiency but also driving workforce evolution by creating new roles and reshaping existing responsibilities in a technology-driven healthcare environment.

Transformation of HI Vendor Solutions

HI vendors are transforming their solutions through automation, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based technologies, revolutionizing healthcare data management and improving operational efficiency.⁹ A key transformation is the automation of tasks, with AI streamlining processes like medical coding, billing, and data entry. For example, as noted earlier, AI algorithms can assist in automatically assigning appropriate codes to medical procedures and diagnoses, potentially improving efficiency and consistency in medical coding. However, studies indicate that these tools perform best when combined with human oversight, as fully automated systems may have limitations in recall and precision.⁵ Automation also supports more accurate and up-to-date electronic health records by improving data entry processes. Additionally, AI generates non-technical documentation from complex medical reports, making information more accessible for various stakeholders.¹⁷ These advancements reduce errors, speed up operations, and improve data accuracy, enabling healthcare organizations to operate more efficiently and provide higher quality care.^5,18,19

Vendors leverage AI tools for predictive capabilities such as disease detection, where algorithms analyze patient data to predict diseases and enable timely interventions.²⁰ AI systems also assess readmission risk and optimize resource allocation in healthcare facilities.¹⁷ Advanced analytics tools enable real-time data processing, allowing for change analysis and the identification of significant shifts in healthcare metrics.²⁰ Vendors also implement data governance frameworks to ensure data quality and privacy protection, developing AI-powered systems that protect patient confidentiality while enabling valuable insights.⁵ Cloud-based platforms enable rapid data processing, analysis, and sharing across healthcare systems, improving integration and interoperability of health data.^21,22 These innovations streamline healthcare operations, improve decision-making, and enhance patient outcomes.⁹

The adoption of innovative technologies has shifted vendor workforce roles, with increased demand for professionals skilled in data science and AI to leverage predictive analytics and optimize resource allocation.^23,24 AI engineers and data science directors are essential for developing tailored AI models to meet specific healthcare needs.²³ The rise of digital systems has also increased demand for cybersecurity specialists to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA.²⁵

Evolving Landscape of HI Education

The emergence of AI, machine learning, blockchain, telemedicine, and advanced data analytics is transforming the healthcare workforce, which is reflected in HI and health informatics education. As healthcare organizations automate tasks like coding, release of information, patient identification, and data analytics, educational programs must equip the workforce to manage and analyze health data, as well as to address the ethical and regulatory challenges these technologies present.^26,27 This evolving landscape applies across various levels of education, including HI programs at the Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree levels, each of which plays a critical role in preparing future health information professionals.

Many HI programs are updating curricula to include emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. Some HI programs are beginning to incorporate AI-driven tools for revenue cycle management, coding, and data retrieval. Students are also becoming familiar with interoperability standards like Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), which support standardized health data exchange across systems. This aligns with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s plan, emphasizing the importance of common standards.^28,29 HI students also collaborate with peers in other professions such as nursing, IT, and physical therapy to gain a broader understanding of technology’s impact on healthcare and patient care.³⁰ These experiences prepare students for the evolving HI role, now extending to areas like information governance, informatics, and data analytics. As healthcare focuses on quality and efficiency, HI professionals are expected to lead in areas like electronic health records migration and improving cost and quality outcomes.^31,32

Since data security and privacy concerns continue to grow, HI education emphasizes ethics and cybersecurity. Students are taught to navigate the complexities of patient privacy, data security, and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other relevant frameworks, including the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). At many institutions, HI curricula are placing increased emphasis on cybersecurity to prepare students for the regulatory and technological challenges of a digital healthcare environment.

In addition to privacy and security, HI education should expand ethics curricula to address issues like bias in AI algorithms, ethical use of patient data in research, and broader data usage while maintaining transparency and trust between patients, providers, and organizations. Addressing AI bias is crucial to ensuring equitable healthcare, and ethical practices regarding patient data use are vital for preserving privacy and trust. HI education should more fully integrate ethics to support the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Essential Skill Sets for HI Professionals in the Age of Emerging Technologies

As healthcare organizations integrate emerging technologies, HI professionals must develop the technical competencies necessary to effectively manage and leverage these innovations. Key skills include analyzing complex health data using tools like SQL, Tableau (Salesforce, Inc.; San Francisco, California), Power BI (Microsoft Corp.; Redmond, Washington), and predictive analytics technologies such as Python (Python Software Foundation; Wilmington, Delaware) and R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing; Vienna, Austria).^32,33 These tools enable HI professionals to present data in actionable formats, facilitating better decision making. A recent study revealed that job postings for data analysts indicate employers value independent thinking and presentation skills alongside technical expertise.³⁴ HI professionals are expected to interpret health data and communicate it clearly to stakeholders, requiring both technical knowledge and strong communication abilities.

Familiarity with interoperability standards such as Health Level 7 (HL7), FHIR, and other health IT frameworks is also crucial.^35,36 HI programs teach these standards to ensure professionals can manage data exchange across systems, enabling seamless healthcare delivery. As AI and machine learning gain traction in healthcare—particularly for predictive analytics, clinical decision support, and process automation—understanding these technologies is vital. HI professionals must leverage AI to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

In addition to technical skills, HI professionals must cultivate essential soft skills to succeed in a technology-driven environment.³⁴ These soft skills include problem solving, adaptability, communication, and teamwork. For example, with the growing role of telehealth, HI programs teach students to manage and integrate telehealth technologies into traditional workflows, ensuring smooth transitions between digital and in-person care. A basic technology course at the authors’ institution covers EHRs, digital health apps, and telehealth systems, emphasizing alignment with healthcare providers’ daily tasks. In one example from the authors’ teaching experience, students gain practical experience through simulation exercises in collaboration with nursing programs, learning how technology integrates into patient care while practicing effective communication and teamwork with other healthcare professionals.

These technical and soft skills align with curricular educational competencies outlined established by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and AHIMA, particularly in areas such as data management, emerging technologies, and health information governance. As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, periodic evaluation of these competencies may be necessary to ensure they remain relevant and responsive to the field’s changing demands.

Finally, HI students are encouraged to pursue certifications and microcredentials in emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and data analytics to remain competitive.³⁷ When both technical and soft skills are embedded into the curriculum, students—undergraduate and graduate—can be equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven healthcare environment.

Overcoming Challenges in Implementing New Technologies in Healthcare

The implementation of new technologies by healthcare organizations, vendors, and academic institutions presents unique workforce development challenges. Healthcare organizations face significant obstacles when integrating new technologies with existing systems. Many hospitals rely on legacy systems, creating friction when trying to incorporate more advanced solutions.³⁸ Staff resistance is another common challenge, as healthcare professionals may fear that new technologies will complicate workflows or replace traditional roles. Addressing this requires strong training programs and a culture shift toward embracing innovation. Budget limitations further complicate the adoption of new technologies, as hospitals must balance the cost of new tools with other financial priorities. Additionally, the increased use of patient portals and telehealth solutions raises concerns around privacy and security, requiring healthcare organizations to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and implement robust data protection measures to safeguard patient information.^13,39

Vendors must continuously innovate to keep pace with technological advancements. Customizing solutions to meet the specific needs of healthcare organizations is a complex challenge, as scalability and customizability must be balanced.⁴⁰ Additionally, vendors must ensure effective customer support, as healthcare organizations depend on timely assistance when troubleshooting new systems.

In academia, preparing students for careers in HI involves challenges such as integrating hands-on laboratories into curricula, which requires significant resources. Securing industry partners to provide real-world insights can be difficult due to time and resource constraints. Faculty may also struggle to stay updated with emerging technologies due to limited time and funding for professional development.⁴¹ To address these challenges, institutions may consider implementing in-house faculty training and establishing advisory boards to help ensure that curricula remain aligned with evolving industry needs.

Strategies for Addressing the Impact of Technology on Workforce Dynamics

Healthcare Organization: Training, Leadership, and Integration Best Practices

The successful integration of new technologies in healthcare organizations requires comprehensive training programs to ensure staff proficiency.⁴² For a smooth transition, it is essential to map existing workflows and understand how added technologies will impact roles and responsibilities. New employees and medical staff must complete training before using systems, and additional sessions should be scheduled during updates. Effective communication through intranet pages can keep staff informed about system changes. Leadership plays a pivotal role in supporting technology adoption by guiding staff through transitions and preventing a return to outdated workflows. Organizational leaders must also revise job descriptions to reflect evolving roles, including creating positions like medical practice facility system administrator, to address new responsibilities.

Healthcare organizations must also prepare for cybersecurity risks, such as ransomware, by establishing dedicated committees and training staff to respond to potential breaches.⁴³ Developing a clear project plan with defined goals and testing systems can facilitate a smooth technology adoption process. Continuous support from both leadership and staff is essential for successful integration. Cultivating a culture of ongoing education and communication can help staff embrace technological advancements, ultimately improving operational efficiency and patient care.

Vendors: Customized Training, Adaptability, and Continuous Support

Vendors must offer tailored training programs that address the unique needs of healthcare organizations, covering everything from software implementation to troubleshooting. These programs should emphasize adaptability and problem solving, enabling healthcare professionals to effectively navigate evolving technologies. To stay competitive, vendors must continuously monitor technological advancements and the changing healthcare landscape. Actively listening to customer feedback is essential for understanding their specific needs and fostering innovative solutions. Additionally, incorporating research and development into products is key to staying ahead of market demands and advancing technology.

Strong partnerships and collaboration with clients are crucial for long-term success, as they help build trust and mutual understanding. Additionally, continuous support and regular updates are vital to ensuring that products remain effective, secure, and aligned with healthcare organizations’ goals. By providing responsive customer service and keeping systems current, vendors can help organizations adapt to emerging challenges and achieve their objectives.

Academia: Curriculum Updates, Industry Collaboration, and Certification Programs

In academia, preparing future professionals for a technology-driven healthcare environment requires integrating emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, ethics, and data analytics into the curriculum. Adding those aspects to the curricula should equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. Interdisciplinary learning–encouraging collaboration between HI students and peers from nursing, IT, and physical therapy–broadens students’ understanding of healthcare problems and solutions. Capstone projects and internships provide students with real-world experiences, better preparing them for the workforce.

Building strong partnerships with healthcare organizations can align academic curricula with industry needs and provide students access to the latest technologies and real-world insights. Offering certifications and specialized courses in emerging technologies can enhance students’ expertise, preparing them for future roles in HI and informatics.⁴¹ By combining technical training, hands-on experience, and industry collaboration, academic institutions can equip students to meet the demands of a technology-driven healthcare environment.

Conclusions

To ensure the readiness of the future workforce, close collaboration between healthcare organizations, vendors, and academic institutions is important. A synergistic and integrated approach to workforce development—focused on innovative practices, the adoption of advanced technologies, and a commitment to continuous education—will empower health information professionals to effectively adapt to and leverage emerging technologies. Healthcare organizations should prioritize ongoing training and development programs to ensure staff remain proficient with these tools.⁴⁴ Vendors must provide tailored solutions and continuous support to healthcare clients, while academic leaders update curricula and build strong industry partnerships to prepare students for the demands of a technology-driven healthcare environment. Additionally, integrating ethics alongside technical skills in academic programs will help assess whether new technologies are trustworthy, particularly for patients. By aligning the efforts of these three sectors, the HI workforce will be well-equipped to meet future challenges.

Ultimately, preparing HI professionals to navigate technological advancements and the challenges they bring requires a commitment to continuous education, cross-sector collaboration, and a balance of technical and interpersonal skills. A unified approach to workforce development will position HI professionals to lead in an increasingly complex and technology-driven healthcare landscape.

Disclosure

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Funding

The authors received no funding for this research.