Why Healthcare Struggles to Adopt Technology and What Needs to Change

The healthcare sector has historically lagged behind other industries in adopting digital technology, with many organizations still relying on manual processes and outdated systems. As more organizations continue to do away with this way of thinking, the challenge isn’t just about upgrading tools—it’s about changing mindsets. That’s where effective change management comes in.

In this blog, we look at why transformation has been so slow, what’s driving the urgency now, and how healthcare leaders can overcome cultural barriers to build more connected, efficient, and resilient systems.

What's slowing down tech adoption in healthcare?

Resistance to technological change in healthcare isn’t just about timing or budget—it’s largely a cultural and structural challenge. Unlike industries such as banking or retail, where digital transformation is driven by immediate consumer demands and competitive pressure, healthcare faces a distinct set of obstacles:

1. High regulation: Strict compliance requirements put safety and legal adherence first, often slowing down new tech rollouts.
2. Rigid hierarchies: Centralized decision-making can limit organizational agility and hinder rapid innovation.
3. Traditional culture: Many medical professionals, accustomed to well-established methods, may view new technologies as more disruptive than helpful.
4. Interoperability complexity: Fragmented systems and multiple vendors make seamless integration and data flow difficult.
5. Lack of clear short-term benefits: When the benefits of digital initiatives aren't clearly explained, leadership may hesitate to commit resources.
   

When digital transformation in healthcare stalls, everyone feels it

McKinsey estimates that hospitals that fully embrace digital transformation can cut operational costs by up to 15–20%, mainly through automation, smarter resource allocation, and better patient flow. But as of 2023, less than 30% of U.S. healthcare providers have a formal digital transformation roadmap. This delay impacts day-to-day efficiency and makes it harder to keep up with growing demand and worsening staffing shortages.

At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a global shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, making it increasingly urgent to use technology to augment staff capacity and reduce burnout. Tools like clinical decision support systems and automated patient triage can free up clinicians’ time—but adoption remains inconsistent.

• Over 50% of studies analyzed by the NCBI found that poor digital infrastructure—like system crashes and interface issues—caused care delays.
• AI-driven automation in revenue cycle management can reduce administrative cost by up to $100 million annually (BCG, 2022).
• According to Gartner's 2025 CIO Survey, only 48% of enterprise-wide digital initiatives meet or exceed targeted business outcomes

Making change stick in healthcare digital transformation

Overcoming these barriers requires targeted strategies and strong partnerships. Here are five best practices to help healthcare organizations build momentum and keep it:

1. Engage leadership: Actively involve both medical and administrative leaders who can champion the digital transformation vision.
2. Invest in continuous training and communication: Equip staff with digital skills and clearly articulate how each initiative supports clinical or operational goals.
3. Start small, show quick wins: Pilot projects with measurable outcomes can help build trust and get teams on board faster.
4. Leverage generational shifts: Empower younger healthcare professionals who are already comfortable with digital tools.
5. Align incentives: Design reward structures that make people want to adopt and use new digital solutions long term.

Measurable benefits of well-managed change

What it really takes to drive results

Digital transformation in healthcare takes more than funding. It calls for a deep cultural shift, backed by practical, human-centered change management strategies. Understanding the unique dynamics of the healthcare environment, addressing its specific barriers, and supporting organizations with integrated, human-centered solutions are key to building a more efficient, equitable, and future-ready healthcare ecosystem.

At Softtek, we make healthcare digital transformation Simple, Smart, Reliable. That means working closely with both clinicians and technology leaders to engineer solutions grounded in real-world challenges and focused on driving results. Whether you’re building or scaling digital health tools, modernizing core systems, or exploring data and AI for healthcare, let’s chat. Learn more and connect with our team.

Our clinical advisory team

Diego Rodrigo Pereyra, MD, is a specialist in Critical Care and Intensive Therapy with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of medicine and technology. As Healthcare Global Director at Softtek, he works closely with North American clients to develop innovative digital health solutions. His international perspective is enriched by his role as a Global Ambassador for Singularity University and as Academic Coordinator of the MBA in Healthcare Management at Universidad de San Andrés, one of Argentina’s most prestigious universities. He is also the author of The Future of Health, a book recognized by the Buenos Aires Legislature for its contribution to rethinking healthcare systems through a technological lens.

Martin Cearras, MD, based in Florida, USA, is a Pulmonologist and Critical Care specialist with a strong clinical and academic presence in North America. He currently serves as Medical Director of the Liver and Multisystem ICU at AdventHealth Medical Group and as a clinical tutor at Duke University. A graduate from the Universidad Favaloro in Argentina with advanced medical training in the United States, Dr. Cearras has led innovation projects and healthcare ventures across the Americas.