FTI Consulting Survey Identifies Top Operational Challenges and Opportunities for Hospital Leaders

Core Insights - The FTI Consulting Hospital Operations Outlook Survey reveals that workforce shortages, financial performance, and risks associated with new technologies are primary concerns for hospital leaders [1][2][3] Workforce Challenges - Nearly half (49%) of hospital executives believe their institutions are not fully prepared to handle current patient volumes due to workforce shortages [3][4] - Hospital leaders are encouraged to adopt targeted insights to effectively recruit and retain talent, moving away from broad approaches to more customized strategies [4] Financial and Operational Performance - Almost all surveyed hospital executives (99%) express concerns regarding financial performance and the need for effective communication with regulators and communities to safeguard their reputations [2][5] - The shift towards value-based care is evident, with 99% of hospitals adopting this model, driven by patient-centered care (44%) and quality improvement initiatives (40%) [3] Cybersecurity Risks - A significant concern among hospital leaders is cybersecurity, with 55% admitting they are not well-prepared for a cyber attack, and 50% identifying data loss or compromise as their biggest worry [3][4][9] - The need for a holistic preparedness approach that includes both technical and communication strategies for cybersecurity is emphasized [9] Survey Methodology - The survey was conducted online by FTI Consulting's Strategic Communications segment from March 27, 2024, to April 4, 2024, involving 186 senior executives from various hospital types [10]