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Strategic Alignment for Digital Transformation in German Hospitals: A Qualitative Study on Critical Success Factors
Annika Hering1, Helen Hedwig Künnemann2, Jan-David Liebe1,3
1Research Centre for Health and Social Informatics, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|May 23, 2026
Summary
Strategic alignment of IT projects is key for hospital digital transformation success. This study identifies seven critical success factors (CSFs) to guide sustainable transformation and improve healthcare management.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Management
- Digital Transformation
Background:
- Digital transformation in hospitals requires strategic alignment with organizational goals and critical success factors (CSFs).
- Successful implementation hinges on identifying and addressing these CSFs within the healthcare context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify strategic Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for digital transformation projects in German hospitals.
- To develop a framework for strengthening strategic direction and achieving sustainable transformation.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study combining systematic literature search.
- Expert interviews conducted in 15 German hospitals.
Main Results:
- Identified seven strategic CSFs for digital transformation projects.
- These factors encompass leadership, culture, stakeholder engagement, competencies, resources, infrastructure, external conditions, and path dependency.
- Developed an Implementation Research Logic Model (IRLM) structure illustrating interdependent CSFs.
Conclusions:
- The identified CSFs and IRLM provide governance mechanisms for hospital managers and policymakers.
- These tools support strategic direction and sustainable digital transformation in healthcare settings.
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