Hospital IT Leaders Prioritize AI and Cybersecurity for 2026
New York, Monday, 3 November 2025.
In a recent survey, hospital IT leaders identified AI, cybersecurity, and interoperability as top priorities for 2026, navigating budget constraints with strategic investments in emerging technologies.
Strategic Priorities Amidst Budget Constraints
As hospitals prepare for 2026, IT leaders are focusing on strategic investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and interoperability. A recent flash survey conducted by Black Book revealed that, despite financial constraints, these areas are considered critical for enhancing hospital operations and patient care. Hospital IT leaders are leveraging practical strategies to integrate these technologies while managing tight budgets [1].
Key Areas of Focus
The survey, which included responses from 139 U.S. hospital IT operations leaders, highlighted several key actions for the upcoming year. For instance, 34% of respondents prioritized patient identity and record linkage as a crucial area for improving data exchange. Meanwhile, 31% of leaders identified clinical change management as a significant lever for accelerating progress in IT operations [1].
Investment Priorities for 2026
When it comes to specific investment priorities, 27% of hospitals are looking to enhance operations through generative AI, while 24% are focusing on strengthening cybersecurity measures. Interoperability and API programs also stand out, with 18% of respondents marking them as essential for their 2026 IT strategies [1].
Tailored Approaches for Different Budget Scenarios
Different hospitals are adopting tailored approaches based on their budget scenarios. Cost-constrained hospitals are focusing on identity clean-up and access hygiene, whereas hospitals with stable budgets are standardizing record linkage services and adopting pre-approved API patterns. Growth-oriented hospitals are scaling AI and automation across service lines to drive innovation and improve operational observability [1].