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Logic Models on Health Information Technology-Related Interventions: Scoping Review Across Disciplines
Elske Ammenwerth1, Iiris Hörhammer2, Michelle Bindel1
1UMIT TIROL - Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Eduard Wallnöfer Zentrum 1, Hall in Tirol, 6060, Austria.
JMIR Medical Informatics
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Health information technology (HIT) interventions increasingly use program theory, like logic models, for development and evaluation. More systematic application can improve clarity and learning in medical informatics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Implementation Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Health information technology (HIT) interventions are complex and often lack clear theoretical foundations, hindering their design, implementation, and evaluation.
- Program theory approaches, such as logic models and theory of change (ToC), are established in public health but inconsistently used in medical informatics.
- A systematic overview is needed to understand the application of program theory in HIT interventions for better theory-informed development and learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the conceptualization, construction, and application of logic models, ToC, and related program theory approaches in HIT interventions across disciplines.
- To identify implications for medical informatics research and practice regarding the use of program theory.
Main Methods:
- A systematic scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted.
- Searches included PubMed, Web of Science, Academic Search Elite, APA PsycArticles, and CINAHL for publications using program theory in HIT interventions.
- Data extraction by two independent reviewers covered study characteristics, HIT type, model structure, theoretical foundations, benefits, and challenges.
Main Results:
- 69 publications (2012-2025) met the criteria, with a marked increase in program theory use after 2020.
- Logic models were most applied to patient-facing technologies (mobile health, telehealth, remote monitoring) for HIT development and evaluation.
- While most studies visualized models and cited guidelines, only 4% reused existing models, and 41% integrated behavioral/implementation frameworks.
Conclusions:
- Program theory approaches are increasingly utilized in HIT interventions, but their application in medical informatics remains fragmented.
- Systematic and theory-informed use of logic models can enhance conceptual clarity, methodological rigor, and cumulative learning in the field.
- Future efforts should focus on promoting model reuse, establishing repositories, strengthening reporting standards, and integrating program theory into HIT education and research.
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