A conceptual model of computerised hospital information system (CHIS) use in South Africa

The aim of this project is to contribute to limiting the risk of CHIS (computerised hospital information system) failure by identifying factors which are associated with the successful implementation of CHISs in district and regional hospitals in South Africa (SA). Case studies were conducted in four regional hospitals in the Western Cape province of SA to obtain data about user perceptions of the success or lack of success of the CHISs in use. A conceptual model of CHIS use has been developed based on the results of the case studies, in order to assist in the interpretation of the differing experiences across the hospitals. Key factors in the conceptual model are perception of usefulness of the CHIS and management commitment to ensuring CHIS success, which in turn are related to effective use of CHIS and/or CHIS outputs, and allocation of resources for CHIS further development. Further development of the model will be influenced by the next phase of this project: a survey of district and regional hospitals in two SA provinces.