Understanding Health Information Technology Adoption from a Socio-Technical Perspective

Numerous studies on the adoption of health information technology (HIT) from various perspectives demands for a conceptual consolidation of knowledge across multiple levels and different landscapes in the field. Employing text mining and network analysis techniques, we conduct an exploratory investigation on the literature of HIT adoption from a socio-technical perspective. We explore the linkages among core concepts in prior research and construct an integrated theoretical framework of HIT adoption. Our theoretical framework adds to the socio-technical theory a new perspective that distinguishes between general considerations of technology adoption and issues specific to HIT adoption. We identify core and peripheral areas of prior research interest in the field and point out future research directions. The knowledge obtained is also beneficial for health care practitioners and policy-makers to improve the effectiveness in the adoption and use of HIT systems.