Factors Affecting the Diffusion of the Computer-Based Patient Record

A survey of the perceptions of 629 informatics experts representing 67 institutions with accredited schools of medicine was used to identify factors most important in implementing the Computer-Based Patient Record. A model outlined three theoretical factors: Innovation Attributes (attributes inherent in the CPR itself); Organizational Attributes; and Boundary-Spanning Attributes (related to marketing efforts). The model was explored using multiple regression techniques to delineate the relative importance of 15 variables within the three sets of factors and their effect on two measures of diffusion. The two dependent variables were internal diffusion, or spread of usage of the CPR, and infusion, or depth of usage. Data from the 144 respondents indicate that for diffusion, the organizational variables of "decision making" and "planning" had a significant impact, although the relation between "planning" and diffusion was negative. For infusion, the Innovation Attributes variable "visibility" was significant. The major implication is that successfully encouraging usage of the CPR entails attention and resources devoted to managing the organizational aspects of implementation.