Amid ongoing workforce challenges, healthcare organizations continue to turn to staffing firms to fill gaps in health IT roles, with expertise and cost ranking at the top of their priorities, according to a July 23 report from KLAS.
For the report, KLAS interviewed 173 respondents between August 2024 and April 2025 and asked questions specific to health IT staffing.
Here are five key findings from the report:
- Most organizations rely on two or three go-to firms to meet their staffing needs.
- Eighty-eight percent of respondents said technical expertise is the top factor in selecting a staffing firm — though price is increasingly important as financial pressures mount.
- The most common use case for staffing support is EHR-related work, including implementations and project-based engagements. However, some health systems are beginning to shift their focus toward newer technologies.
- Among respondents who plan to increase their use of staffing firms over the next two years — roughly 30% — many said they anticipate needing support for AI and cloud initiatives. Others cited flexibility as a key reason for continuing to rely on contract workers.
- Still, nearly a quarter of respondents plan to reduce or significantly reduce their use of staffing services, citing tight budgets or a desire to build internal teams.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.