Critical factors affecting the decision to adopt cloud computing in Saudi health care organizations

Abstract

This research aims to identify factors that affect cloud computing (CC) adoption decisions among Saudi health care organizations. More precisely, a research model has been developed and tested to present factors that can facilitate or inhibit the decision to adopt CC in such organizations. In addition to its theoretical contributions, this model would help to formulate some recommendations that can aid IT/IS managers in Saudi health care organizations in making the right decisions when adopting cloud solutions. These managerial contributions are very interesting since the health care sector is very advanced and the number of health care organizations searching for new and effective IT solutions is growing quickly in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative type of research was conducted using a self-administered survey methodology. Data collected from 123 Saudi health care organizations are used to test the research hypotheses. They are analyzed by using XLStat by structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that top managers' support and adequate resources, competitive pressure, and security and compatibility, representing organizational, environmental and technology factors, respectively, are perceived as significant factors for adopting a CC system. Considering the direct and indirect effects of the main variables on CC decisions regarding adoption, we propose some recommendations that would benefit decision-makers and scholars in this area.

ACC-PH: a Comprehensive Framework for Adopting Cloud Computing in Private Hospitals

“…In contrast, concerns of healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia towards security issues with the cloud have shown its impact in the other two studies [8], [9]. In addition, [7]- [9] argued that adopting cloud technology in Saudi hospitals is positively affected by cloud compatibility with healthcare organisations' current policies and principles. Moreover, the reliability of providing cloud services with no interruptions positively impacts the adoption in Saudi hospitals as solely approved by [8].…”

“…The relative advantage factor, which means the extent to which adopting the cloud raises the efficiency of other current technologies in institutions, has emerged as an influential factor in the studies of [7], [10]. In contrast, concerns of healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia towards security issues with the cloud have shown its impact in the other two studies [8], [9]. In addition, [7]- [9] argued that adopting cloud technology in Saudi hospitals is positively affected by cloud compatibility with healthcare organisations' current policies and principles.…”

“…Several crucial variables originated from the organisation's scope and positively influenced cloud technology deployment in Saudi medical centres. Ayadi's [9] research indicated that organisational readiness with required human, technological, and financial resources positively affected cloud adoption in Saudi hospitals. Human resources, in particular, have played a prominent role in shaping influences of adopting from the organisational context.…”

“…Human resources impact was proved in [7], [9], which revealed a positive effect of involvement and support from senior executives (top management support) on the decision to embrace the cloud. Their prior technological experience is another significant factor, as [7] claimed.…”

“…The literature revealed some influencing factors on the cloud adoption decision came from the surrounding environment of Saudi healthcare organisations. According to [9], Saudi hospitals' use of the cloud is largely influenced by industry competition as they are inspired by competitors' use of cloud computing and its unique benefits. Another environmental factor is the impact of government rules and regulations which was proven in a study conducted by [10].…”