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Exploring hospitals' adoption of information technology
D E Burke1, B B L Wang, T T H Wan
1School of Information Studies, The Florida State University, Tallahassee 32306-2100, USA.
Journal of Medical Systems
|July 18, 2002
Summary
Hospitals adopt varying amounts and types of information technology (IT). Strategic IT adoption is linked to higher overall IT use, while administrative IT is more common in hospitals with lower IT adoption.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Management
- Information Systems Research
Background:
- Information technology (IT) adoption is crucial for modern healthcare delivery.
- Understanding the factors influencing IT adoption in hospitals is essential for effective implementation.
- Previous research indicates a complex interplay between organizational and market dynamics and technology uptake in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of information technology (IT) adoption within hospital settings.
- To examine the relationship between organizational characteristics, market factors, and the extent and type of IT adopted by hospitals.
- To differentiate IT adoption strategies based on overall adoption levels.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed IT adoption across a diverse range of hospitals.
- Data was collected on various organizational factors (e.g., size, location, system membership, ownership) and market conditions (e.g., competition).
- Statistical associations were explored between these factors and the levels and types of IT adopted.
Main Results:
- A broad spectrum of IT adoption was observed among hospitals, varying in both quantity and type.
- Hospitals with higher overall IT adoption predominantly adopted strategic IT solutions.
- Conversely, hospitals with lower overall IT adoption were more likely to implement administrative IT systems.
- Key organizational factors positively associated with IT adoption included hospital size, location, system membership, and ownership.
- Market competition was also found to be positively correlated with hospital IT adoption.
Conclusions:
- Hospital IT adoption is heterogeneous, with distinct patterns for strategic versus administrative technologies.
- Organizational attributes and market dynamics significantly influence the extent and nature of IT adoption in hospitals.
- Findings provide insights for healthcare organizations aiming to optimize their IT investment and strategy.