Beyond the Buzz: Practical Tech Tips for Healthcare Software Adoption

Every year, the technology landscape in healthcare shifts a little more, bringing both new challenges and fresh opportunities. Our 2025 Medical Tech Trends Report, based on a survey of 364 healthcare organizations, highlights three major trends shaping the way medical practices think about technology, software, and growth. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the choices made today will have a lasting impact on patient care, security, and the bottom line.

So, what do these trends mean for your practice? More importantly, how can you turn these insights into practical steps that set you up for success in 2025 and beyond? Let’s break down the data to find out.

1. Prioritize Cybersecurity and IT Management—But Make It Practical

IT security, especially cybersecurity and data protection, remains the top priority for healthcare organizations in 2025. Nearly half of the surveyed organizations (45%) say security is their biggest concern when adopting new software. This isn’t surprising; healthcare continues to lead all industries in the cost of data breaches, and the stakes are only getting higher.

What you can do:

• Start with a risk assessment: Before investing in new software or IT infrastructure, conduct a thorough risk assessment. Identify your vulnerabilities—whether it’s outdated systems, unsecured devices, or gaps in staff training.
• Invest in staff education: Technology is only as secure as the people using it. Regular, role-specific training on topics like phishing, password management, and data handling can dramatically reduce your risk of breaches.
• Choose vendors that take security seriously: When evaluating new software, don’t just ask about features—ask about their security protocols. Do they offer encryption? How do they handle data backups? Are they compliant with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations?
• Plan for the worst: Have an incident response plan in place. If a breach does occur, a clear plan will help you respond quickly and minimize damage.

Security isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a practice-wide responsibility. By making cybersecurity a core part of your culture and budget, you protect your patients, your reputation, and your future.

2. Streamline Your Software Selection—Without Cutting Corners

The longer healthcare organizations spend researching and selecting software, the more likely they are to regret their purchase thanks to factors like decision fatigue and the sunk cost fallacy. On average, buyers who regretted their decision took five months to choose, while those who were satisfied made their choice in about 3.7 months. Notably, 64% of successful buyers made their decision in three months or less.

What you can do:

• Define your must-haves early: Before you start looking at demos or reading reviews, get clear on what your practice truly needs. Involve key stakeholders—doctors, nurses, and administrative staff—to build a list of non-negotiables.
• Limit your options: It’s tempting to look at every solution on the market, but too many choices can lead to decision fatigue. Narrow your shortlist to three to five vendors that meet your core requirements.
• Use a structured evaluation process: Create a checklist or scorecard to compare vendors on critical criteria like usability, integration, support, and security. This keeps the process objective and focused.
• Lean on reference checks: Talk to other practices who use the software. Ask about their experience with implementation, support, and any surprises along the way.
• Set a timeline—and stick to it: Give your team a clear deadline for making a decision. This helps maintain momentum and avoids the analysis paralysis that can lead to regret.

A thoughtful but efficient selection process leads to better outcomes. By balancing speed with structure, you can avoid buyer’s remorse and ensure your new software truly supports your goals.

3. Prepare for Growth—And Invest Wisely

There’s a wave of optimism in healthcare: 85% of organizations expect at least 5% revenue growth in 2025, and a quarter anticipate growth of 15% or more. With this confidence, 75% of practices plan to increase their software spending next year.

What you can do:

• Align technology investments with growth plans: If you’re expecting to add new providers, expand locations, or serve more patients, make sure your software can scale with you. Look for solutions that offer flexible licensing and robust support for larger teams.
• Budget for integration: As you grow, you may need your systems to “talk” to each other—think EHRs, billing, scheduling, and telehealth. Investing in integration now can save headaches (and money) down the road.
• Prioritize talent: Growth isn’t just about technology—it’s also about people. As you invest in new tools, consider the training and support your staff will need to use them effectively.
• Track ROI: With increased budgets comes the responsibility to measure results. Set clear goals for your technology investments—like reduced administrative time, improved patient satisfaction, or faster billing cycles—and track your progress.

Growth is an exciting prospect, but it brings complexity. By aligning your technology strategy with your broader business goals, you can turn optimism into real, sustainable success.

Final Thoughts: Turning Trends Into Action

Software Advice’s 2025 Medical Tech Trends Report paints a clear picture: healthcare practices are facing big decisions about security, software, and growth. The good news? With the right approach, these trends can become opportunities.

By prioritizing cybersecurity, streamlining your software selection, and investing in scalable solutions, your practice can not only keep up with the changing landscape—but thrive in it.

Remember, technology is a tool. When used thoughtfully, it can help you deliver better care, run a more efficient practice, and build a stronger future for your team and your patients.