Shared Mobile Devices Promise Millions in Savings, But Data Security Gaps Introduce Risk for Australian Hospitals

Shared-use mobile devices are transforming care delivery across Australia’s hospitals, offering clinicians faster access to patient information and driving significant cost efficiencies. Imprivata research reveals that Australian hospitals could save an average of A$1.2 million annually through shared mobile device programs. Yet despite these gains, more than half of clinical and IT leaders admit they are not fully confident that patient data is protected, citing credential sharing, unsecured logins, and inconsistent governance as major risks.

Burnout remains a critical challenge as hospitals grapple with workforce shortages, rising workloads, and tightening budgets. Inefficient technology and clunky access workflows are compounding the problem. Research shows that nearly half of physicians spend excessive hours on clerical tasks, while 65% of nurses report high levels of stress.

Too often, clinicians face login delays, password fatigue, and disjointed systems that take time away from patient care. When mobile device and electronic health record (EHR) access is slow or unreliable, it creates security and compliance risks. Imprivata data shows that in Australian hospitals, 83% of respondents report that users share credentials when accessing shared-use mobile devices, and 77% admit these devices are often left signed in after use. Altogether, these workarounds fuel frustration, delays, and impact both clinician wellbeing and patient outcomes.

“Many organisations are still working to determine the best way to scale these solutions,” said Daniel Johnston, MRes, BSc, RN, Associate Chief Nursing Informatics Officer and Director of Clinical Operations at Imprivata, in a recent article published by Healthcare IT News. “What’s critical now is moving beyond ad-hoc solutions to a formal, robust strategy.”

The path forward lies in smarter identity and access governance. Healthcare organisations that adopt integrated identity and access management (IAM) strategies for shared mobile programs achieve greater ROI—averaging A$1M in annual savings, compared to A$524K without a policy. The essential components of a strategy include mobile access management to secure devices, passwordless authentication to address password fatigue, single sign-on for frictionless access, and holistic IAM policies across workstations and devices to ensure accountability.

Technology should never get in the way of care. When mobile access is efficient, secure, and human-centered, clinicians can focus more on their top priority—caring for patients. A future built on trust, resilience, and innovation will define the next era of Australian healthcare.

Learn more about improving clinical efficiency with Imprivata.