The use of information systems in the healthcare sector is deemed necessary. Health managers are convinced to use the methods. Nonetheless, the successful implementation of health information (HI) does not only rely on the satisfaction of the managers. There are many failed information technology projects (IT) that are reported despite the satisfaction and consent of health directors. Information systems are faced with failures due to various reasons. For instance, it could be due to the negligence of project management. The software used can also be defective hence affecting the HI implementation. Billions of dollars are often spent on systems that fail at the end (Ahmadi, Rad, Nazari, Nilashi & Ibrahim, 2014). Therefore, it is crucial to consider the factors that affect the success of the HI systems.
The failure and success factors of the HI projects are diverse. Hence, they cannot be defined easily. People have different meanings of failure. From a general perspective, a project will be said to have failed if it does not meet its optimum goals and expectation. Moreover, it is considered not successful if it does not suit the project specifications. Three primary factors affect the development and implementation of HI systems. These factors are organizational, technological, and human categories (Ahmad et al., 2014). In the case of human factors, there are various issues considered. The first aspect is the use of the HI systems and the efficiency in its application. The expertise required to operate the system and the benefits are considered under the human category. Further, there are external factors that will determine the success of the HI systems. They include economic factors and user’s cooperation. The user role-plays vital in determining the success of the information systems.
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The human factor can either be presumed as a group of individual factors. The inadequate care and neglect of the human element will affect the implementation of the HI systems. For instance, it may cause defects in proper communication. Additionally, it may not allow a sense of ownership of the systems to be developed. As a result, the HI systems will be viewed as a strange idea that should not be applied. Such an impression will affect the implementation of the system (Ahmad et al., 2014). This outcome will affect the intended role of HI, which is to provide long-term care in the health sector.
A study conducted in the United States of America reported a 50 percent failure of the clinical information systems. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional description. The results showed that human factor effectiveness is always down in cases where the HI system fails. People might not have the general knowledge in using computers; hence, the speed of the user cannot be increased by the Hi systems (Chen & Hsiao, 2012). Additionally, the ease of using and learning the HI systems is a critical issue in the adoption of the system. Managerial and Organization factors were as well found to be crucial in the development and implementation of the HI. The management should ensure there are proper plans for the implementation of the project. Besides, they should ensure the adaptation of the skills and educational content that is required to use the HI systems. The management should ensure user participation in the development of the HI project. Lastly, the technological factors affecting the development and implementation of the HI system include the reliability of the information maintenance software (Chen & Hsiao, 2012). The exchange of data of the existing HI with the new HI in the hospital can be difficult if the technical problems are not resolved and tracked early.
Human factors have the most influence on the development and implementation of the HI systems. Technology factors follow and, finally, organizational and managerial factors. In human factors, there is a connection between the skills, general knowledge, and ease of using HI. The other relationship is between motivation to use computers and the experience to use a computer (Farzandipur, 2016). Health professionals with experience in using computers are well motivated to use the HI systems. On the other, those with less experience are less likely motivated to use the HI systems. Statistics show that half of the global population lacks the necessary skills in information technology and the use of a computer. The system user can work with and trust the HI to increase its efficiency and data availability. In such a case, HI implementation will be successful. Those who are less experienced cannot effectively utilize the HI system. Besides, they can increase the vulnerability of the system. The technological challenge comes after the human factor has been put into consideration (Farzandipur, 2016). The HI must be reliable to ensure the safekeeping of information. Other technical concerns include the ability to communicate the systems.
In conclusion, the three factors, human factors, technological factors, and organizational and managerial factors, play an essential role in the development and implementation of the HI systems. Among human factors, the general knowledge and ease of using HI systems are included. Besides, the ease in learning how to use the HI is considered. In the technological factor, the long-term role of HI must be regarded as. The future of the hospital information system depends on its ability to adapt to the changes in the health sector. The reliability of the system in protecting health information is also considered. Lastly, in organizational and managerial factors, the management must train the user and ensure the tasks of the HI are predetermined.
References
Ahmadi, H., Rad, M. S., Nazari, M., Nilashi, M., & Ibrahim, O. (2014). Evaluating the factors affecting the implementation of hospital information system (HIS) using AHP method. Life Science Journal , 11 (3), 202-207.
Chen, R. F., & Hsiao, J. L. (2012). An investigation on physicians’ acceptance of hospital information systems: a case study. International journal of medical informatics , 81 (12), 810-820.
Farzandipur, M. (2016). Factors affecting successful implementation of hospital information systems. Acta Informatica Medica , 24 (1), 51.
