Current status and perceived needs of information technology in Critical Access Hospitals: a survey study
Date
2007
Authors
Demeris, George
Courtney, Karen L.
Meyer, Wilbert
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Radcliffe/BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Abstract
The US Congress established the designation of Critical Access Hospitals in 1997, recognising rural hospitals as vital links to health for rural and underserved
populations. The intent of the reimbursement system is to improve financial performance,
thereby reducing hospital closures. Informatics applications are thought to be tools that can enable the sustainability of such facilities. The aim of this study is to identify the current use of information and communication technology in Critical Access Hospitals, and to assess their readiness and receptiveness for the use of new software and hardware
applications and their perceived information technology (IT) needs. A survey was mailed to the administrators of all Critical Access Hospitals in one US state (Missouri) and a reminder was mailed a few weeks later. Twenty-seven out of 33 surveys were filled out and returned (response rate 82%). While most respondents (66.7%) stated that their employees have been somewhat comfortable in using new technology, almost 15% stated that their
employees have been somewhat uncomfortable. Similarly, almost 12% of the respondents stated that they themselves felt somewhat uncomfortable introducing new technology. While all facilities have computers, only half of them have a specific IT plan. Findings indicate that Critical Access Hospitals are often struggling with lack of resources
and specific applications that address their needs. However, it is widely recognised that IT plays an essential role in the sustainability of their organisations. The study demonstrates that IT applications have to be customised to address the needs and infrastructure of the rural settings in order to be accepted and properly utilised.
Description
Keywords
information technology, organisational readiness, rural health, user acceptance
Citation
Demeris, G. 2007, "Current status and perceived needs of information technology in Critical Access Hospitals: a survey study." Informatics in Primary Care. Vol. 15. Iss. 1. pp. 45-51.