Research questions

In the course of the research, the following research questions will be used in the formulation of research hypotheses. Each of the questions will be studied independently with a goal of answering each of the questions through research.

1. What are the perceptions of doctors regarding the use of health information systems?
2. What is the prevalence rate of information systems in healthcare?
3. What are the main avenues of cost saving in health information systems?

Research objectives

The researcher will focus the study on the following research objectives. These objectives act as a threshold and guide shaping the course of the research and form part of the hypotheses. Essentially, therefore, the objectives form part of the research purpose of the study within which the researcher is confined.

1. To ascertain the perceptions of doctors on the use of health information systems.
2. To determine the prevalence of information systems in healthcare.
3. To identify the main avenues of cost saving in health information systems.

Literature review

Menon et al, (2000) use a uniquely different approach in identifying the impacts of information technology in healthcare. Indeed, the use of a longitudinal design sample in collecting data from hospitals over a long time presents the research with adequate validity. The results of the study provide a positive link between the use of information systems and the positive production of services in healthcare. The generalizations in the paper do not automatically apply to the case of Australia and further research is therefore necessary. In another paper, Heeks (2006) discusses the failure, success and improvisation of health information systems. The paper is based on the notion among various commentators that health information systems has failed to produce the required results in the world. The results of this paper provide an alternative perspective of the implementation of health information systems. Ideally, the reduction in costs is one of the successes of the use of technology in healthcare to both patients and health providers (Heeks, 2006). Still, the paper cannot entirely be used to draw inference regarding the situation of healthcare in Australia.

Berg (2001) is well aware of the fact that the implementation of information systems in healthcare is riddled with myths and challenges. In particular, the use of information systems in the care of patients is of critical importance in the determination of the success and/or failure of health information systems. The realization that myths have a potential of hampering the process of health information systems implementation is an important finding. That notwithstanding, the paper fails to identify the cost implications of the use of health information systems. Ammenwerth et al, (2003) evaluates the use of healthcare systems to ascertain the problems and challenges. Ultimately, the paper outlines the problems while proposing possible solutions to the problems. The paper finds three main problem areas with the use of a holistic framework as the possible solution. However, the role of information systems in reducing the cost of healthcare is not analyzed in this research.

The paper is an analysis of the importance of user acceptability in the implementation of health information systems. In this paper, the use of information systems by physicians in telemedicine approaches is studied in detail (Hu et al, 1999). There is correlation between the use of telemedicine and the users’ technology acceptance. However, there is a research gap in that the cost implications of the system are not discussed in the paper thus providing a gray area for future research. Pai & Huang, (2011) use their study to explore the relation between technology acceptance and the success of health information systems. Indeed, the paper acknowledges the growing importance and relevance of information systems in the delivery of quality healthcare. In the research, questionnaires are used in collecting data from district hospital nurses and other health providers. Ultimately, the paper outlines suggestions for the successful integration of health information systems.

Methodology

Due to the descriptive nature of the study, the researcher adopts both qualitative and quantitative research designs with an incorporation of research surveys. The qualitative component of the study will be explored through informant interviews as well as discussions in focus groups. In contrast, questionnaires, coupled with personal observations, will then be used to collect data for quantitative research. The research will employ purposeful sampling design to select only professionals with direct relationship with the subject under study.

Data Collection

The main tool for data collection will be the questionnaire which will be sent to the respondents via email. The format of the questionnaire uses both open and closed questions in an attempt to cap the feedback to include only data that is relevant to the study. The questionnaire will be strategically designed based on the research objectives with each objective having specific questions in the questionnaire. In addition, focus groups comprising of professionals will also be formed and discussions done as the researcher records relevant information. By tape recording the conversations, the researcher will ensure the originality and validity of the information acquired. Further, personal observations will also be used for the study and form an important aspect of data collection.

References

Menon, N.M., Lee, B. and Eldenburg, L., 2000. Productivity of information systems in the healthcare industry. Information Systems Research, 11(1), pp.83-92.

Heeks, R., 2006. Health information systems: Failure, success and improvisation. International journal of medical informatics, 75(2), pp.125-137.

Berg, M., 2001. Implementing information systems in health care organizations: myths and challenges. International journal of medical informatics, 64(2), pp.143-156.

Ammenwerth, E., Gräber, S., Herrmann, G., Bürkle, T. and König, J., 2003. Evaluation of health information systems—problems and challenges. International journal of medical informatics, 71(2), pp.125-135.

Hu, P.J., Chau, P.Y., Sheng, O.R.L. and Tam, K.Y., 1999. Examining the technology acceptance model using physician acceptance of telemedicine technology. Journal of management information systems, 16(2), pp.91-112.

Pai, F.Y. and Huang, K.I., 2011. Applying the technology acceptance model to the introduction of healthcare information systems. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 78(4), pp.650-660.

 
Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?