The critical success factors for IT innovations in Dutch general practices

Abstract

In the last 25 years the demand for health care services has increased rapidly in The Netherlands. In the near future, health care expenses will rise even faster due to ageing and high labor costs. The deployment of IT as a method to save costs is widely accepted. In primary care, the first consultation point in health care, general research to this subject is still scarce. This research attempts to find out which factors determine the success of IT innovations in primary care. An extensive systematic literature review was chosen as a method to find theoretical evident for the construction of two frameworks, namely stage-oriented (FRAMEWORK A) and actor-based (FRAMEWORK B). After an interview round with practice experts FRAMEWORK B was enhanced, while FRAMEWORK A was discontinued. A second round of interviews focusing on the revised FRAMEWORK B resulted in large support by the experts, though improvements are needed. We conclude that the framework is a good starting point for innovators and researchers to use as a basic guide, while future research must help to extend the framework regarding the innovation type and perspective.