Healthcare organisations are undergoing a significant transformation, with the integration of artificial intelligence, mobile technology and connected systems promising to reshape patient care. Yet, despite rapid advances, many healthcare providers continue to face operational barriers that hinder the full potential of digital innovation. Legacy IT systems, data security concerns and inadequate mobile device management tools are among the most pressing challenges identified in SOTI’s 2025 industry report. For healthcare to progress in a way that meets both current demands and future expectations, these foundational issues must be addressed with urgency and strategic focus. 

 

AI in Healthcare: Potential Grows Faster Than Protection 

Artificial intelligence is a key driver of progress in healthcare, particularly in areas such as diagnostics, record management and personalised treatment planning. According to the 2025 report, AI is now in use by 81% of healthcare organisations for patient care, compared to just 61% the year before. The technology is primarily being deployed to process medical data, update records and streamline administrative tasks, freeing up clinicians to focus more on patient-facing responsibilities. 

 

However, the rapid growth in AI usage has not been matched by equal advances in security preparedness. Only 36% of healthcare organisations currently have AI-specific security measures in place, leaving a significant proportion exposed to potential risks. With increasing volumes of sensitive patient data being processed by AI systems, the absence of robust protective protocols poses a considerable threat. Furthermore, the disparity between AI adoption rates and the supporting infrastructure suggests that while healthcare organisations are embracing innovation, they are often doing so without the safety net required to sustain it. 

 

The issue is not limited to data protection. Without appropriate integration into existing systems, the benefits of AI may remain isolated rather than transformative. The risk is that organisations invest in promising technologies without resolving the underlying structural weaknesses that prevent them from being fully effective. 

 

Legacy Systems: Undermining Progress and Security 

Legacy IT infrastructure continues to be a major impediment to digital progress across the healthcare sector. Despite the near-universal adoption of telehealth and IoT medical devices, integration remains problematic. In 2025, 96% of IT leaders reported challenges in implementing these technologies effectively, with outdated systems often to blame. The inability to unify platforms means patient data remains fragmented, making it difficult to deliver seamless, coordinated care. 

 

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One of the most significant consequences of this fragmentation is the impact on security. Eight in ten healthcare organisations have experienced a data breach, accidental leak or ransomware attack since 2023, with many attributing these incidents directly to their outdated systems. Legacy IT not only increases the risk of external attacks but also limits organisations' ability to monitor and support devices remotely. This in turn places additional pressure on IT teams, who are forced to spend considerable time resolving technical issues rather than focusing on system improvements or strategic innovation. 

 

Beyond security, legacy systems hinder efficiency. Technical downtime is a recurring issue, with organisations losing an average of nearly four hours per week per employee. These disruptions affect everything from appointment scheduling to patient communication and record updates. Moreover, the integration of Electronic Medical Records continues to be a major challenge, with 79% of organisations facing difficulties in this area, often due to legacy infrastructure. The cumulative effect is a healthcare system that struggles to deliver on the promise of digital transformation, despite having invested in many of the right tools. 

 

Managing Mobility: From MDM to EMM 

The increasing reliance on mobile devices in healthcare—ranging from tablets and smartphones to RFID readers and mobile printers—has created new demands for efficient and secure device management. Yet, many organisations continue to rely on outdated Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions that are no longer fit for purpose. As SOTI’s report highlights, a shift towards Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) is essential for meeting the complex requirements of modern healthcare operations. 

 

EMM goes beyond basic MDM by offering real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and full lifecycle management. These capabilities are crucial for maintaining device health, securing data and reducing operational downtime. Despite this, implementation remains uneven. Only 47% of organisations are able to conduct remote troubleshooting, and 38% report being unable to manage or deploy devices effectively due to legacy system constraints. 

 

Security concerns extend to device disposal. A large proportion of healthcare organisations express concern about patient data being compromised when old devices are retired, yet inconsistent disposal practices persist. In addition, battery health monitoring and device replacement strategies remain reactive rather than preventative, leading to unnecessary costs and environmental impact. 

 

The limitations of existing MDM systems also affect sustainability. With many devices being replaced based on warranty expiration or user request rather than actual performance data, organisations face avoidable expenses and increased e-waste. EMM systems can help develop smarter strategies for device management, ensuring better performance and longer lifecycles. 

 

The future of healthcare lies in its ability to harness digital technologies to improve care, streamline operations and safeguard sensitive data. While artificial intelligence, mobile devices and telehealth solutions offer tremendous potential, their success depends on a robust, secure and integrated foundation. Outdated IT infrastructure remains a critical barrier to progress, undermining both the efficiency of new technologies and the safety of patient information. 

 

To realise the benefits of digital transformation, healthcare organisations must invest in modern IT systems and adopt comprehensive EMM strategies. This involves moving beyond patchwork upgrades and embracing a holistic approach that aligns innovation with operational stability. Only then can healthcare systems unlock the full value of their technological investments and deliver the level of care expected by patients and providers. 

 

Source: SOTI 

Image Credit: iStock




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digital healthcare, AI in healthcare, healthcare IT, EMM, MDM, legacy systems, NHS tech, SOTI report, healthcare mobility, patient data security Explore how outdated IT, poor AI security, and mobile mismanagement hinder digital healthcare progress.