Diffusion of innovation: computer technology in hospital pharmacy

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Pharmacy Administration
• Technology Adoption

Background:

• Hospital pharmacy departments are increasingly integrating computer technology.
• Understanding the patterns and drivers of this technology diffusion is crucial for optimizing operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adoption patterns of computer technology in hospital pharmacy departments.
• To correlate adoption timelines with hospital, pharmacy, and director characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to pharmacy directors in 501 U.S. hospitals (≥100 beds).
• Respondents reported computer/memory typewriter use for 17 tasks and adoption timelines.
• Adoption curves were compared to predicted S curves and correlated with various factors.

Main Results:

• 308 of 417 respondents utilize computers or memory typewriters in their pharmacy.
• Patient census lists and billing were primary computer uses; letters/labels for memory typewriters.
• Adoption timelines showed no significant deviation from predicted S curves.
• Adoption correlated positively with hospital bed size, director experience, and department services/computer uses.

Conclusions:

• Computer technology adoption in hospital pharmacies is widespread and follows predictable diffusion patterns.
• Hospital and director characteristics significantly influence the pace of technology integration.
• Continued increase in computer technology acceptance is anticipated in hospital pharmacy settings.