This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ash, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ash, J.

Organizational Factors that Influence Information Technology Diffusion in Academic Health Sciences Centers

Affiliation of the author: Biomedical Information Communication Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR.

Correspondence and reprint requests to Joan Ash, PhD, MLS, MBA, BICC Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201-3098. E-mail: ash{at}ohsu.edu

Abstract Objective: To identify the organizational factors which influence the diffusion of end user online literature searching, the computer-based patient record, and electronic mail systems in academic health sciences centers in the United States.

Design: A total of 1335 individuals working in informatics and library areas at 67 academic health sciences centers in the U.S. were surveyed. Multivariate techniques were used to evaluate the relationship between the set of six organizational factors and two measures of innovation diffusion.

Measurements: A Guttman-like scale was developed to measure infusion, or depth or sophistication, of each of the three innovations at each institution. Diffusion was measured by a question previously developed for another study. Six independent variables were measured via five formerly developed scales and one new one.

Results: The overall response rate was 41%. The set of organizational variables produced significant results in the diffusion of each of the three innovations, with individual variables influencing diffusion to varying degrees. The same set produced significant results in relation to infusion only for online searching. There was little or no correlation between infusion and diffusion for each innovation.

Conclusion: Organizational attributes are important predictors for diffusion of information technology innovations. Individual variables differ in their effect on each innovation. The set of attributes seems less able to predict infusion. It is recommended that both infusion and diffusion be measured in future studies because there is little relation between them. It is further recommended that individuals charged with implementing information technology in the health sciences receive training in managing organizational issues.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. L. Callen, J. Braithwaite, and J. I. Westbrook Contextual Implementation Model: A Framework for Assisting Clinical Information System Implementations J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., March 1, 2008; 15(2): 255 - 262. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. L. Callen, J. I. Westbrook, and J. Braithwaite The Effect of Physicians' Long-term Use of CPOE on Their Test Management Work Practices J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., November 1, 2006; 13(6): 643 - 652. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. K.L. Schleyer, T. P. Thyvalikakath, H. Spallek, M. H. Torres-Urquidy, P. Hernandez, and J. Yuhaniak Clinical Computing in General Dentistry J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., May 1, 2006; 13(3): 344 - 352. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J. van der Meijden, H. J. Tange, J. Troost, and A. Hasman Determinants of Success of Inpatient Clinical Information Systems: A Literature Review J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., May 1, 2003; 10(3): 235 - 243. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. S. Gosling, J. I. Westbrook, and J. Braithwaite Clinical Team Functioning and IT Innovation: A Study of the Diffusion of a Point-of-care Online Evidence System J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., May 1, 2003; 10(3): 244 - 251. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. P. Shakeshaft and C. J. Frankish Using patient-driven computers to provide cost-effective prevention in primary care: a conceptual framework Health Promot. Int., March 1, 2003; 18(1): 67 - 77. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. M. Leung, P. L. H. Yu, I. O. L. Wong, J. M. Johnston, and K. Y. K. Tin Incentives and Barriers That Influence Clinical Computerization in Hong Kong: A Population-based Physician Survey J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., March 1, 2003; 10(2): 201 - 212. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. M. Lorenzi and R. T. Riley Managing Change: An Overview J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., March 1, 2000; 7(2): 116 - 124. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. M. Braude People and Organizational Issues in Health Informatics J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., March 1, 1997; 4(2): 150 - 151. [Full Text] [PDF]