Objectives: Despite growing use of health information technology (HIT) across healthcare settings, and the increasing amount of time and resources spent, many HIT implementations are not successful. There can be a great value-add in facilitating the assessment of contextual factors related to implementation of HIT. Health information professionals are well-positioned to contribute to this assessment, as they are engaged in managing access to and promoting use of knowledge resources and systems. This scoping review examined the role of organizational culture in HIT implementations. This presentation will describe the results of this review and will provide practical strategies for information professionals.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of 13 databases using controlled vocabulary and natural language searching. We focused on the HIT implementation studies in the last 10 years in the US. The review was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), a state-of-the-science framework in implementation research. Culture related definitions and constructs mentioned in CFIR were used to develop inclusion and exclusion criteria. Guided by Arskey and O’Malley’s five-step framework, two independent researchers screened each title and abstract, and this process was followed with full-text screening using previously established criteria. Data extraction forms were developed by one researcher prior to piloting by the group for further refinement. We extracted data points on the study setting, study design, type of HIT implemented, and references to culture.
Results: We screened 2,178 records, ultimately reviewing 333 articles in full text and including 55 articles representing 52 studies. Data in these studies were most frequently gathered through interviews and focused on the implementation or evaluation phases of HIT projects. Themes of leadership engagement and resource availability were more prominent, while employee workload, stress and motivation were less frequently discussed.
Conclusions: Librarians and information professionals are involved in the implementation and maintenance of HIT. Understanding of the role of organizational culture in these implementations can assist librarians as both expert users and team members.