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The attitudes of health care staff to information technology: A comprehensive review of the research literature

Ward, Rod; Stevens, Christine; Brentnall, Philip; Briddon, Jason

Authors

Rod Ward

Christine Stevens

Philip Brentnall

Jason Briddon



Abstract

Objectives: What does the publicly available literature tell us about the attitudes of health care staff to the development of information technology in practice, including the factors which influence them and the factors which may be used to change these attitudes? Methods: Twelve databases were searched for literature published between 2000 and 2005 that identified research related to information technology (IT), health professionals and attitude. English language studies were included which described primary research relating to the attitudes of one or more health care staff groups towards IT. Letters, personal viewpoints, reflections and opinion pieces were not included. Results: Complex factors contribute to the formation of attitudes towards IT. Many of the issues identified were around the flexibility of the systems and whether they were 'fit for purpose', along with the confidence and experience of the IT users. The literature suggests that attitudes of practitioners are a significant factor in the acceptance and efficiency of use of IT in practice. The literature also suggested that education and training was a factor for encouraging the use of IT systems. Conclusions: A range of key issues, such as the need for flexibility and usability, appropriate education and training and the need for the software to be 'fit for purpose', showed that organizations need to plan carefully when proposing the introduction of IT-based systems into work practices. The studies reviewed did suggest that attitudes of health care professionals can be a significant factor in the acceptance and efficiency of use of IT in practice. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed into the approaches that have most effect on the attitudes of health care staff towards IT. © 2008 The authors.

Citation

Ward, R., Stevens, C., Brentnall, P., & Briddon, J. (2008). The attitudes of health care staff to information technology: A comprehensive review of the research literature. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 25(2), 81-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2008.00777.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2008
Journal Health Information and Libraries Journal
Print ISSN 1471-1834
Electronic ISSN 1471-1842
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 25
Issue 2
Pages 81-97
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2008.00777.x
Keywords attitudes, information technology, IT, systematic review, healthcare staff
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1012351
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2008.00777.x