Abstract
The main objective of investments in information systems and technology is to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the quality levels provided by organizations. In the last decades, IS/IT has positioned itself as a strategic tool that, through innovative combinations, has allowed the flexibility that organizations need to respond to current challenges. The health sector has sought to improve its effectiveness and efficiency through the adoption of IS/IT solutions to enhance quality of services, i.e., patient safety, organizational efficiency, and end-user satisfaction. Hospitals are complex organizations, and this complexity increases the opportunity for unavoidable human error. A poorly integrated system can decrease operational efficiency and reduce the quality of health services. The issue remains controversial. This study aims to review the literature on the topic and explore the trends and challenges that arise today. The study concludes that emerging technologies can offer opportunities for all organizations that effectively know how to better exploit them.
TopIntroduction
The main objective of investments in information systems and technology (IS/IT) is to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve the quality levels provided by organizations. The creation of organizational value through investments in IS/IT remains one of the main topics for researchers (Dehning et al., 2004; Roztocki & Weistroffer, 2008). Some early studies (Dos Santos et al., 1993; Hitt & Brinjolfsson, 1996; Im et al., 2001; Rai et al., 1997; West & Courtney, 1993) doubt the economic value of IS/IT, although, the vast majority of authors finds empirical evidence and theoretical arguments in favor of operational and strategic relevance of IS/IT (Aral et al., 2007; Beccalli, 2007; Dedrick et al., 2003; Dehning et al., 2003; Han et al., 2011; Kim et al., 2009; Kohli & Grover, 2008; Lee et al., 2011; Lin et al., 2006; Mahmood & Mann, 2005; Neirotti & Paolucci, 2007; Peslak, 2003; Ramírez et al., 2010; Santhanam & Hartono, 2003; Swierczek & Shrestha, 2003; Zhang, 2005).
Despite the great euphoria around these systems, organizations are increasingly pressured to justify the large investments in IS/IT assets (Gomes et al., 2013). The decision-making process on investments in IS/IT is not always as objective and transparent as it is said, there are significant flaws that compromise the achievement of objectives and their related benefits (Berghout et al., 2005).
Organizations only seek benefits and value in monetary terms and forget about the intangible impacts that these investments have on organizations. It is very common for organizations to focus on the technical aspects, “how does it work?”, rather than reflecting on the social aspects, “how is it adopted and what impacts does it have? or even from a business perspective,” is delivering value?” (Gomes & Romão, 2017).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Project Success: Is measured by its efficiency in the short term and its effectiveness in achieving the expected results in the medium and the long term (Jugdev et al., 2001 AU218: The in-text citation "Jugdev et al., 2001" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Müller & Jugdev, 2012 AU219: The in-text citation "Müller & Jugdev, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Project Management: Is the process within organization where temporary endeavours are undertaken for beneficial change and added value (Nokes, 2007 AU215: The in-text citation "Nokes, 2007" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ), requiring a multi-dimensional set of skills and a professional practice of managerial knowledge (Hodgson, 2002 AU216: The in-text citation "Hodgson, 2002" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Kerzner, 2013 AU217: The in-text citation "Kerzner, 2013" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
IS/IT for Healthcare: Refers to any tool or framework that enhances the communication, processing or transmission of information by electronic means for improving human health ( Bukachi and Pakenham-Walsh, 2007 AU214: The citation "Bukachi and Pakenham-Walsh, 2007" matches multiple references. Please add letters (e.g. "Smith 2000a"), or additional authors to the citation, to uniquely match references and citations. ).