An IT outsourcing dilemma at Sick Kids Hospital. Issue 1 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Babin, Ron; Khan, Mohamed Shazadh; Stewart, Kyle
• Is Part Of: Journal of information technology teaching cases. Volume 8:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: IT outsourcing -- Hospital information systems -- Information systems security -- Data privacy; Information technology -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Information resources management -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Information resources management -- Study and teaching; Information technology -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; E-journal; 371.33405
• DOI: 10.1057/s41266-017-0027-1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-8869

Abstract

This teaching case is based on a true situation at the Hospital for Sick Children, in Toronto Canada. The case asks students to either assume the role of the CIO or to advise the CIO in making a decision to outsource IT at Sick Kids Hospital. The case requires students to understand three important issues: First, while health care costs continue to increase, automation of information is an important opportunity to streamline patient care and reduce costs in a hospital environment. Second, IT outsourcing, relying on external service providers to deliver complex technology services, is a fundamental business strategy across all industries and has great potential in the health care industry. Third, hospitals and health care have unique requirements for IT outsourcing, particularly the critical importance of patient data security and privacy.