Challenges in the Adoption of Medical Information Systems

This paper highlights some managerial challenges encountered during the adoption of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at Turku University Central Hospital (TUCH). The results are based on a five-year survey consisting of statistical data, cost analysis, modelling, customer satisfaction inquiries, time and motion studies, observation and staff interviews. The PACS is a medical information system, the goal of which is to allow filmless activity and improve patient care; this paper presents the curriculum of the project. As there was a lack of insight of the project being a hospital-wide socio-technical information infrastructure process, with both costs and benefits falling to all departments requiring both vertical and horizontal management at hospital level, hospital staff were unprepared for the change. Further, the technology providers did not have sufficient information or knowledge of clinical requirements. Consequently, inexperience regarding informatics, system behavior, and lack of designated expert personnel slowed down the implementation process.