Exploratory study to understand the phenomena of adoption of wireless handheld devices in the Australian healthcare system

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the phenomenal of wireless handheld technology in healthcare environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a mixed method approach and a qualitative approach with focus group and survey techniques.FindingsThe study indicates that organizational readiness, technical readiness, clinical practice, social aspects as well as compatibility of new hardware with the existing system, play a crucial role in the adoption of wireless handheld devices in Australian healthcare systemsResearch limitations/implicationsFuture research in this domain needs to examine implications of wireless handheld technology at an organizational level in the healthcare environment and its adoptability to unique healthcare settingsOriginality/valueThe research has established that access to data, communication enhancements, policy development, high quality information transmission and easy interfaces, are some of the factors influencing the acceptance of wireless technology in Australian healthcare systems. The study also identified challenges, such as the lack of management commitment, in realizing the acceptance.