Explores how healthcare organizations can maximize the impact of technology investments
Introduces a four-stage technology maturity framework to help hospitals benchmark progress and identify areas to prioritize

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), a global medtech leader, today announced the release of its 2026 Connected Hospital Report, offering new insights into how hospitals across the United States are leveraging technology investments to drive clinical and operational outcomes.

Based on a survey of 150 information technology (IT) and nursing leaders, the report examines how hospitals are progressing along a "connected hospital" journey by identifying four distinct levels of technology maturity (early, developing, advancing and leading). This framework is designed to help hospitals benchmark progress, prioritize initiatives that reflect their current needs and opportunities, and identify practical focus areas to strengthen long-term impact. The report reflects Baxter’s broader focus on helping healthcare organizations create more connected, data-informed care environments.

"Hospitals continue to invest in technology, yet many are still working to achieve measurable outcomes," said Rob Kraal, vice president, Connected Care at Baxter. "This report provides an actionable framework to help hospital leaders understand where they are today and focus on initiatives that can translate connected technologies into meaningful impact."

Key insights from the report include:

Technology is critical, but progress varies: While 89% of hospitals say technology investments are essential to future growth, only 53% believe they are maximizing the impact of those investments.
Three health technology priorities rise above the rest: Hospitals across all maturity levels are focusing investments on operational efficiency, workflow automation and data integration as they work to strengthen operations and improve clinical outcomes.
Automation is a key marker of progress: Adoption of workflow automation increases significantly with maturity, from 18% of early-stage hospitals to 72% of leading organizations.
Security and change management remain key barriers: Across all maturity levels, security risks and workforce adoption challenges are among the top obstacles to successfully deploying new technologies.

As many healthcare organizations continue to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies, the report reinforces the importance of a connected foundation. Ninety-five percent of respondents agree that future innovation will require stronger integration among core IT systems, medical devices and software applications, underscoring the role of connected data and workflows in helping hospitals effectively adopt and scale new capabilities.

The 2026 Connected Hospital Report provides healthcare leaders with a structured view of the opportunities and challenges shaping digital transformation in hospitals. To read the full report and learn more about Baxter’s connected care solutions, visit Baxter.com.

About Baxter

At Baxter, we are everywhere healthcare happens – and everywhere it is going, with essential solutions in the hospital, physician’s office and other sites of care. For nearly a century, our customers have counted on us as a vital and trusted partner. And every day, millions of patients and healthcare providers rely on our unmatched portfolio of connected solutions, medical devices, and advanced injectable technologies. Approximately 37,500 Baxter team members live our enduring Mission: to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, we are redefining how care is delivered to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond. To learn more, visit www.baxter.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Baxter is a registered trademark of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.

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