Modernizing healthcare IT: key insights

is at a critical juncture, currently facing challenges due to operational inefficiencies and rising costs, creating a need for innovative strategies to update IT infrastructure. A recent discussion hosted by the HIMSS organization, in collaboration with Juniper Networks, featured insights from healthcare IT leaders. The conversation shed light on the potential of AI-native infrastructure and networking technology to revolutionize patient care, improve staff efficiency, and enhance cost-effectiveness in healthcare organizations.

Transforming healthcare with AI-native IT infrastructure

The healthcare IT leaders who spoke emphasized the importance of a robust, secure infrastructure in delivering high-quality care. Strategies for modernization that incorporate new technologies while maintaining existing systems to avoid disruptions in healthcare services were discussed. Legacy systems often impact modern demands such as real-time data processing and advanced analytics.

AI-native networking platforms, such as Mist™ from Juniper, enable healthcare organizations to analyze massive data sets, thereby supporting AI and machine learning applications used to optimize diagnostics and support predictive care. Mist and its Marvis® AI engine also help ensure system reliability, mitigating network downtime to assure the network meets the rigorous demands of clinical healthcare environments.

Optimizing user experiences

The focus on enhancing user experiences highlighted the need for improved data interoperability and usability, aiming to streamline decision-making for providers and improve treatment outcomes for patients, increasing the importance of ensuring data accessibility across all applications.

Scale smarter: immediate steps for IT leaders

For healthcare IT leaders looking to implement positive change and drive successful digital transformation, the following are actionable insights:

• Regularly assess your network infrastructure to ensure it can support emerging technologies like AI
• Prioritize scalable interoperability to ensure seamless communication between applications and systems
• Design IT systems with both clinical and administrative users in mind to enhance efficiency and usability
• Implement AI-native platforms that adapt to workload demands and enable insight-driven operations

Healthy ecosystems improve people’s lives

Ultimately, modernizing healthcare IT infrastructure isn’t just about strengthening operations and scaling to meet demand, it’s about improving lives. A reliable AI-native network can ensure patients consistently receive timely care, improve hospital workflows, and drive greater cost savings across the organization.

Every system failure equates to a real-world consequence. Downtimes could make the difference between success and failure for a critical patient with heart decease who needs treatment immediately, and their family, too.

Healthcare organizations that embrace the potential of this AI-led transformation will not only improve patient outcomes, but they will also be able to also position themselves as leaders in the industry.

Juniper is hosting another group of healthcare IT professionals for a lively discussion. I invite you to attend “Strengthen Operations, Scale Smarter” healthcare summit, available online June 24, 2025, in EMER/AMEA and June 25, 2025, in APAC.

Download this IDC Spotlight report: “The Power of AI and Network Platforms for Securing Data, Devices, and Operations in Healthcare.”