Acceptance factors of digitalization in hospitals: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Introduction Hospitals have identified IT as a suitable mean to cope with various challenges. However, the heterogenous progress regarding digitalization cannot solely be attributed to a lack of investment. Potentially underlying socio-technical causes should be further investigated. The aim of this work is to identify factors that affect the human acceptance of digitalization in hospitals. The goal is to validate practical relevance with affected professional stakeholders as well as quantify the magnitude of the impact. Methods The Mixed-Methods (MM) approach according to the APA Mixed Methods Article Reporting Standard (MMARS) was based on a structured literature analysis (PRISMA-ScR), expert interviews (COREQ), and a web-based survey (CHERRIES). The survey queries acceptance factors related to digitalization in hospitals. By means of a statistical analysis, correlations with the dependent variable acceptance, effect sizes and variances are investigated. Results A total of N = 258 hospital professionals participated in the survey, with n = 155 (60.1%) female respondents, and a large share (n = 106, 41.1%) of participants from the field of nursing. Six of the 22 queried factors show a significant impact on acceptance (P < .05). The predictors competence and perceived benefit seem to exert the greatest influence. A multiple linear regression with R2 = .68 (corrected R2 = .63) shows a high goodness of fit. The predictors thus statistically influence the criterion acceptance (F22, 193 = 13.32, p < .001). Conclusions The factors contributing to human acceptance of digitalization-related change processes in hospitals were divided into subject-, object- and context-related aspects. The factors skill, education, affinity for digitalization, future of the workplace, participation as well as the perceived benefit were identified as significant influence factors on acceptance of digitalization in hospitals.