Health Information Systems Adaptation and Flexibility in Extreme Situations: The COVID Effect

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Information Systems Management
• Sociotechnical Systems Theory

Background:

• The 2020 global pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation within healthcare organizations worldwide.
• Understanding the impact on Health Information Systems (HIS) is crucial for future resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how Health Information Systems (HIS) were adapted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify the key factors influencing HIS adaptation during a global health crisis.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 12 Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from healthcare organizations.
• Analysis of interview data categorized using a sociotechnical model framework.

Main Results:

• Pandemic-driven HIS adaptations were predominantly social, organizational, and cultural.
• These adaptations were particularly evident in private healthcare organizations with mature and stable HIS.
• Technical aspects were secondary to broader systemic changes.

Conclusions:

• Effective HIS adaptation during crises requires a holistic, sociotechnical approach.
• Organizational and cultural factors are paramount for successful HIS evolution in response to external shocks.
• Future HIS strategies should integrate social and organizational resilience.