The use of information systems to reduce healthcare costs in Australia
Questions for investigation
The following research questions will be used to formulate research hypotheses during the study. Each of the questions will be researched independently to answer each of the questions.
What are doctors’ perspectives on the use of health information systems?
How widespread are information systems in healthcare?
What are the primary cost-cutting strategies in health information systems?
Objectives of research
The researcher will prioritize the following research objectives. These objectives serve as a guideline for shaping the course of the research and are included in the hypotheses. In essence, the objectives are part of the purpose of the study to which the researcher is limited.
to learn about doctors’ perspectives on the use of health information systems.
To assess the use of information systems in healthcare.
To identify the primary cost-cutting opportunities in health information systems.
Review of the literature
Menon et al. (2000) take a novel approach to determining the effects of information technology in healthcare. Indeed, using a longitudinal design sample in collecting data from hospitals over a long period provides adequate validity to the research. The study’s findings show a link between the use of information systems and the positive production of services in healthcare. The paper’s generalizations do not automatically apply to the case of Australia, necessitating additional research. In another paper, Heeks (2006) discusses the failure, success, and improvisation of health information systems. The paper is based on various commentators’ beliefs that health information systems have failed to produce the desired results worldwide. The findings of this paper offer an alternative viewpoint on implementing health information systems. Ideally, cost reduction is one of the benefits of using technology in healthcare for both patients and providers (Heeks, 2006). Nonetheless, the paper cannot be used to conclude the state of healthcare in Australia.
Berg (2001) is well aware that implementing information systems in healthcare is fraught with myths and difficulties. The use of information systems in patient care, in particular, is critical in determining the success or failure of health information systems. Realizing that myths can potentially hinder the process of implementing health information systems is a significant finding. Despite this, the paper fails to identify the cost implications of using health information systems. Ammenwerth et al. (2003) assess the use of healthcare systems to identify problems and challenges. Finally, the paper outlines the problems while proposing potential solutions. The paper identifies three major problem areas and proposes a holistic framework as a possible solution. However, this study does not examine the role of information systems in lowering healthcare costs.
The paper examines the significance of user acceptance in implementing health information systems. The use of information systems by physicians in telemedicine approaches is examined in depth in this paper (Hu et al., 1999). There is a link between telemedicine use and technology acceptance among users. However, there is a research gap in that the system’s cost implications are not discussed in the paper, leaving a grey area for future research. In their study, Pai and Huang (2011) investigate the relationship between technology acceptance and the success of health information systems. Indeed, the paper recognizes information systems’ growing significance and relevance in delivering high-quality healthcare. Questionnaires are used in the study to collect data from district hospital nurses and other health providers. Finally, the paper makes recommendations for successfully integrating health information systems.
Methodology
Because of the descriptive nature of the study, the researcher employs both qualitative and quantitative research designs and research surveys. The qualitative component of the study will be investigated through informant interviews and focus group discussions. In contrast, questionnaires will be used with personal observations to collect data for quantitative research. Only professionals with a direct relationship to the subject under study will be chosen for the study using a purposeful sampling design.
Data Gathering
The questionnaire, which will be sent to respondents via email, will be the primary data collection tool. The questionnaire format employs open and closed questions to limit the feedback to only relevant data. The questionnaire will be strategically designed based on the research objectives, with specific questions in the questionnaire for each objective. In addition, professional focus groups will be formed, and discussions will occur as the researcher collects relevant data. The researcher will ensure the originality and validity of the information obtained by tape recording the conversations. Personal observations will also be used in the study and will be an essential part of data collection.
