IT impact on individual work: A study in the context of healthcare services

Abstract

The use of IT has considerable potential to impact the healthcare industry. Recent applications such as electronic medication administration systems (EMAS) are expected to improve medication safety and delivery. However, the impact of such systems on users' job performance is unclear and under-researched. This study develops a model to understand the individual impact of healthcare IS such as EMAS based on the job characteristics and relational job design theories. A pilot survey with 112 nurses was conducted to validate the model for EMAS implementation in a public hospital. The use of IS is seen to affect the perceived increase in skill variety. Prosocial values of nurses are found to strengthen the relationships between use of IS and perceived increase in task significance as well as beneficiary contact. Self-efficacy affects perceived increase in various job characteristics. Perceived increase in task identity and beneficiary contact in turn influence user efficiency and effectiveness. The expected contributions and remaining research plan are outlined.