How do healthtech companies manage and protect medical records? This question is becoming more important as patient data becomes digital. Electronic health records (EHRs) have changed how medical information is stored and accessed, but they’ve also created new challenges.
Healthtech firms are looking at different technologies to solve these problems. Blockchain is one option that offers a new way to handle data. But using new systems in healthtech isn’t simple. It takes careful planning, thinking about many factors, and having the right team.
What kind of team does a healthtech company need to set up and run new data systems? In this blog, we’ll look at how blockchain is being used in healthtech now, the jobs and skills these teams need, and share tips on finding the right people.
Healthtech companies are at the lead of using new data systems to improve healthcare. As these companies grow, they need skilled teams to handle complex data. Let’s look at some major trends:
In 2023, the market for new data technologies in healthtech was worth $7.04 billion, and experts predict it will grow by about 63.3% each year from 2024 to 2030. This shows that many healthtech companies are working on big projects now, and they’ll need to hire even more skilled workers quickly to keep up with this rapid growth.
New data technologies, like blockchain, could create 1 million new software jobs by 2030. This is good news for healthtech companies looking to build long-term teams.
Data specialists in healthtech often earn between $150,000 and $175,000 a year. This high pay helps attract top talent, but it also means healthtech startups need to plan their hiring budgets carefully.
These numbers show why it’s valuable for healthtech companies to focus on building strong data teams. Having people who can use technology effectively to solve healthcare problems is necessary to success in this field.
For healthtech firms, this means planning ahead. Building a skilled team takes time. They need to find people who understand both the tech side and the unique needs of the healthcare industry.
Another key factor is creating a team that can work well together. In healthtech, projects often involve complex problems that require input from different experts. Companies need to build teams where members can communicate well and combine their skills effectively.
Building a strong data management team in healthtech requires a mix of technical skills, healthcare knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Here are some main roles that are often part of these specialized teams:
This role designs the overall structure of the data system. They decide how data is stored, processed, and accessed. Data Architects need to understand both healthcare data requirements and technical systems. They work closely with other team members to make sure the data structure meets the company’s needs. Their work forms the foundation for all other data operations in the company.
Security Specialists protect sensitive health data from unauthorized access or breaches. They set up and maintain security protocols for the data system. This role requires knowledge of both cybersecurity and healthcare privacy laws. Security Specialists also train other team members on best practices for data protection. They stay updated on new security threats and solutions to keep the system safe.
Data Engineers build and maintain the systems that collect, store, and process health data. They work with various databases and data processing tools. These professionals need strong programming skills and an understanding of healthcare data types. They often collaborate with Data Architects to implement the data structure. Data Engineers also create tools to help other team members access and use the data effectively.
Healthcare Data Analysts interpret the data to find useful insights for the company. They use statistical methods and data visualization tools to analyze health trends. This role requires a mix of analytical skills and healthcare knowledge. Healthcare Data Analysts often work with product teams to improve services based on data insights. They also help create reports for decision-makers in the company.
Compliance Managers make sure the data system follows all relevant healthcare laws and regulations. They keep track of changes in healthcare privacy laws and industry standards. This role involves working with legal teams and government agencies. Compliance Managers also conduct regular audits of the data system. They play a crucial role in maintaining trust with patients and healthcare providers who use the company’s services.
To build effective data management teams in healthtech, companies need professionals with a diverse set of skills. These skills help teams handle complex health data, ensure data security, and derive valuable insights. Here are key skills that are valuable for these teams:
Team members need to understand how to structure and organize health data. This skill helps in creating efficient databases that can handle large amounts of medical information. Data modeling also involves understanding relationships between different types of health data. It’s a must for designing systems that can adapt to changing healthcare needs.
Examples of tools used: ERwin, Lucidchart, MySQL Workbench
Proficiency in programming languages is often necessary. These languages are used to build data systems, create algorithms, and analyze data. The specific languages needed may vary based on the company’s tech stack. Strong coding skills allow team members to develop custom solutions for unique healthtech challenges.
Examples of tools used: Python, SQL, Java, R, Scala
Understanding the healthcare sector, including medical terminology and workflows, is important. This knowledge helps team members design systems that meet the specific needs of healthcare providers and patients. It also aids in interpreting health data correctly. Familiarity with healthcare processes guarantees that data solutions align with real-world medical practices.
Examples of tools used: Medical dictionaries, ICD-10 codes, SNOMED CT
Skills in data encryption, access control, and privacy-preserving techniques are essential. Team members need to know how to protect sensitive health information from breaches. They should also be familiar with healthcare data privacy laws like HIPAA. Understanding both technical security measures and legal requirements is key to this skill.
Examples of tools used: Encryption software, firewalls, access control systems
The ability to analyze large datasets and present findings clearly is a must. This involves using statistical methods and data visualization tools. These skills help in deriving meaningful insights from health data to improve services or inform decision-making. Strong analytical skills can uncover patterns in health data that lead to improved patient care.
Examples of tools used: Tableau, Power BI, SAS, R Studio
As many healthtech companies use cloud platforms, knowledge of cloud services is valuable. This includes understanding how to set up, manage, and secure data in cloud environments. Cloud skills enable teams to build scalable and flexible data solutions.
Examples of tools used: AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure
Team members should understand healthcare regulations and how they apply to data management. This includes knowing how to implement systems that meet regulatory requirements. It also involves staying updated on changes in healthcare data laws and standards. Compliance skills help make sure that data practices meet legal and ethical standards.
Examples of tools used: Complion, Navex Global, MetricStream, LogicGate, ComplianceQuest
Creating strong data teams is invaluable for healthtech companies to succeed. These teams need to blend technical skills with healthcare knowledge to develop effective solutions. Here are 10 strategies for building and managing these specialized teams:
Clearly outline the responsibilities of each position on your data team. This helps avoid overlap and confirms all necessary tasks are covered. Make sure each team member understands their role and how it contributes to the company’s goals. Clear roles also help in identifying skill gaps and planning future hires. Regular role reviews can help adjust responsibilities as the company grows and changes.
Build a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This can lead to more innovative solutions and a broader understanding of patient needs. Look for candidates from various educational and professional backgrounds. Diversity can include different technical specialties, healthcare experiences, and cultural perspectives. A diverse team can help your company better serve a wide range of patients and healthcare providers.
Provide salaries and benefits that match or exceed industry standards. This helps attract and retain top talent in an aggressive field. Consider offering equity or performance-based bonuses to align team members’ interests with company success. Regular market research can help ensure your compensation packages remain competitive. Remember that compensation isn’t just about salary – consider offering benefits that support work-life balance and career growth.
Provide opportunities for ongoing education and skill development. This could include funding for courses, conferences, or certifications. Encourage team members to stay updated on the latest healthtech trends and technologies. Set up internal knowledge-sharing sessions where team members can teach each other new skills. Create a culture where learning is valued and rewarded to keep your team at the forefront of healthtech innovation.
Foster a culture of teamwork and open communication. Encourage knowledge sharing between team members with different expertise. Set up regular team meetings and collaborative projects to build strong working relationships. Use tools that facilitate easy communication and collaboration, especially for remote or distributed teams. Recognize and reward collaborative efforts to reinforce the importance of teamwork.
Aim for a mix of team members with strong technical skills and those with deep healthcare knowledge. This balance helps ensure your data solutions are both technically sound and relevant to healthcare needs. Consider pairing technical experts with healthcare professionals on projects to combine their insights. Encourage cross-training to help team members develop a broader understanding of both areas. This balanced approach can lead to more practical and effective healthtech solutions.
Pair junior team members with more experienced colleagues. This helps newer employees develop their skills and understand the company culture. It also gives senior team members leadership experience. Mentorship can improve employee retention by creating stronger connections within the team. Set clear goals for mentorship relationships and regularly review their progress to make sure they remain beneficial for both parties.
Consider bringing in specialists for specific projects when needed. This allows you to access niche skills without committing to full-time hires. It can also help you evaluate potential full-time candidates. Project-based hiring can provide flexibility in managing workload fluctuations. Be clear about project scope and duration to set appropriate expectations with project-based hires.
Look for candidates with strong communication and problem-solving abilities. These skills are crucial for translating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. They also help in understanding and addressing complex healthcare challenges. Include scenarios or case studies in your interview process to assess these skills. Provide training to help team members improve their soft skills, as these are often as important as technical abilities in healthtech.
Develop a thorough onboarding program that introduces new hires to your company’s mission, values, and processes. This helps new team members integrate quickly and start contributing effectively. Include training on your specific data systems and healthcare compliance requirements. Assign a ‘buddy’ to each new hire to help them navigate the company culture and processes. Regularly review and update your onboarding process based on feedback from new hires to ensure it remains effective.
Building strong data teams is a big part of success for healthtech companies. It’s about finding people who not only know tech but also understand healthcare. You need team members who can work together well and solve tricky problems. By focusing on things like clear job roles, different backgrounds, ongoing learning, and good teamwork, you can build a data team that’s ready for anything in healthtech. Your team is what turns all that health data into better care for patients.
Need help putting together a great data team for your healthtech company? At Talentguy.io, we know how to find the right people for healthtech jobs. We can help you find professionals who have both the tech skills and healthcare know-how you’re looking for. Contact us today and let’s create healthtech solutions that really make a difference.
