Assessment of Users' Intention to Use Hospital Information Systems Based on Diffusion of Innovation Theory in Razi Hospital of Ahvaz.

Introduction: Users' role in the successful application of Hospital Information Systems (HIS) is of crucial importance. Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT) is a theoretical model for understanding the relationship between users and technological systems including HIS by assessing users' intentions to use these systems. This study aimed at determining the factors associated with users' intentions to use HIS on the basis of DIT. Methods: The participants of this descriptive and analytical study were randomly selected from 50 HIS users of Razi Hospital in Ahvaz. The instrument was a questionnaire the reliability of which was measured by test-retest (r = 0.84) and its internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha (α =0/90). Content validity, and face validity of the questionnaire were also determined. The data were analyzed by SPSS (version 17) using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: There were negative correlations between age and relative advantage (r = -0.56, p< 0.05), kinds of job and relative advantage (r = -0.32, p< 0.05), age and compatibility (r = -0.28, p< 0.05), kinds of job and compatibility (r = - 0.29, p< 0.05) and kinds of job and observed ability (r = - 0.30, p< 0.05). However, there were positive correlations between educational level and complexity (r = 0.29, p< 0.05), computer training and trial ability (r= 0.28, p< 0.05), financial organizational support and relative advantage (r =0.31, p< 0.05), emotional organizational support and relative advantage (r = 0.36, p< 0.05), and emotional organizational support and compatibility (r = 0.27, p< 0.05). Discussion: The results revealed the effects of DIT on users' intentions to use HIS. Further studies are required to support the findings of the present study in order to enhance adaptation and compatibility of HIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]