Acute care disruptions due to information technology failures in the Netherlands from 2000 to 2020

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundHealthcare organizations are becoming increasingly dependent on Information technology (IT) for the provision of routine services. IT failures within hospital systems can impact acute patient care, including emergency department (ED) closure and the cancellation of operations. This study aims to gain insight into the impact of hospital IT failures in the Netherlands on acute care delivery and to provide recommendations for future preparedness.MethodsThis is a systematic scoping review of major acute care disruptions in Dutch hospitals between 2000 and 2020. Incidence of etiology, duration, ED diversion, and closure of multiple locations was evaluated. IT failures were included when associated with the closure of hospital departments and/or evacuations.ResultsThirty-nine IT failures resulting in acute care disruption were identified. The majority occurred between 2010 and 2020 (n=37, 95%). Of the 39 events, 33 (85%) were primary IT failures and were mainly caused by computer network and/or hospital software failure. Secondary events predominantly resulted from power failure. Most events (n= 36, 92%) were resolved within minutes to hours. All events were associated with an ED closure, 27 (69%) with an operating room (OR) stop and two (5%) with external hospital evacuation of one or more patients. Furthermore, 17 incidents (44%) involved multiple hospital locations, and seven (41%) of these involved closure of multiple locations with an ED.ConclusionThe impact of IT failures on acute care disruptions in the Netherlands has considerably increased since 2010. This stresses the urge to improve IT security and business continuity in today’s hospitals.PUBLIC INTEREST SUMMARYAs the healthcare industry is becoming increasingly digitalized, technological failure potentially has a major impact on hospitals and patient care continuity. The current study found that Information Technology (IT) failures in Dutch hospitals between 2000 and 2020 are increasingly associated with acute care disruptions. IT failures were mainly caused by software or hardware failures or by power outages. Preventive measures and emergency planning may lessen the impact and ensure improved business- and patient care continuity.