Exploring health information technology implementation success factors: a comparative investigation in Nordic countries

The implementation of health information technology (HIT) can improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. There is a gap in terms of generalising and systematising the results of previous research and in understanding HIT implementation worldwide. The majority of studies on HIT implementation have been conducted in North America, most of which are case studies or other qualitative research. In this research, we surveyed IT managers in Nordic healthcare and used factor analysis to uncover success factor groups. Six groups emerged: culture conducive to change, quality of system and service, collaboration, alignment, end-user involvement, and management commitment. We found that IT managers in Nordic countries have different opinions regarding success factors (SFs) related to cultural issues. However, they strongly agree on the importance of most of the SFs. Therefore, an internationally applicable set of recommendations for HIT implementation could be within the realm of possibility.