No abstract

This study proposed an evaluation model, derived from the Technology Acceptance Model and Information System Success Model, to explore factors influencing the acceptance of hospital information systems by nurses. Although many healthcare institutions have applied hospital information systems, relatively few studies have investigated the perceptions of nurses regarding the usefulness, ease of use, or acceptance of these systems. This study recruited the nursing staff of a regional hospital in Taiwan. A total of 297 questionnaires were sent, and 277 were returned, for a response rate of 93.3%. The results indicated that system quality, information quality, and service quality were positively correlated with the perceived ease of use (R=0.69) and perceived usefulness (R=0.72). Information quality has the greatest influence on perceived usefulness (γ3=0.57, P<.001) and ease of use (γ4=0.61, P<.001). Perceived usefulness and ease of use have a significant influence on system acceptance (R=0.75). Perceived usefulness (β1=0.61, P<.001) has a significant influence on system acceptance. These findings indicated that nursing care requires high-quality healthcare information to support the daily activities of nursing professionals. The results of this study also provide a valuable reference for hospital administrators in developing hospital information systems.

BackgroundWith the widespread use of information communication technologies, computerized clinical practice guidelines are developed and considered as effective decision supporting tools in assisting the processes of clinical activities. However, the development of computerized clinical practice guidelines in Taiwan is still at the early stage and acceptance level among major users (physicians) of computerized clinical practice guidelines is not satisfactory. This study aims to investigate critical factors influencing physicians’ intention to computerized clinical practice guideline use through an integrative model of activity theory and the technology acceptance model.MethodsThe survey methodology was employed to collect data from physicians of the investigated hospitals that have implemented computerized clinical practice guidelines. A total of 505 questionnaires were sent out, with 238 completed copies returned, indicating a valid response rate of 47.1 %. The collected data was then analyzed by structural equation modeling technique.ResultsThe results showed that attitudes toward using computerized clinical practice guidelines (γ = 0.451, p < 0.001), organizational support (γ = 0.285, p < 0.001), perceived usefulness of computerized clinical practice guidelines (γ = 0.219, p < 0.05), and social influence (γ = 0.213, p < 0.05) were critical factors influencing physicians’ intention to use computerized clinical practice guidelines, and these factors can explain 68.6 % of the variance in intention to use computerized clinical practice guidelines.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that some subject (human) factors, environment (organization) factors, tool (technology) factors mentioned in the activity theory should be carefully considered when introducing computerized clinical practice guidelines. Managers should pay much attention on those identified factors and provide adequate resources and incentives to help the promotion and use of computerized clinical practice guidelines. Through the appropriate use of computerized clinical practice guidelines, the clinical benefits, particularly in improving quality of care and facilitating the clinical processes, will be realized.

Results can help managers understand key considerations affecting HIS development and use and may be applied as a reference for system development and improvement.