Premier Service Medical Investments: Challenges and perceptions of healthcare practitioners in the adoption and implementation of healthcare information technology (HIT)

Abstract

The implementation of healthcare information technologies (HIT) remains a challenge in a country like Zimbabwe. The study's objective was to investigate the role of healthcare practitioners in the implementation of HIT regarding; challenges faced, HIT perceptions and investigating HIT resistance. A qualitative case approach using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 12 healthcare practitioners was used. Findings showed that healthcare practitioners face challenges during the implementation of HIT that affected their acceptance and adoption of the system. In addition, negative perceptions by some healthcare practitioners towards HIT was revealed. Lastly, there was ample perception of healthcare practitioners resisting HIT. This study highlights the significance of properly planning the HIT implementation by employers. There needs to be engagement and involvement of the key users of the HIT so that they take ownership and accept the system. This will significantly improve the chances for future HIT project implementations.