Physician utilization of computers in medical practice: Policy implications based on a structural model

The development of policies regarding computer-based medical technology is hampered by a lack of knowledge about the process by which such applications are adopted and utilized by physicians. This study was designed to test a model of the process by which physicians change their practice behavior by utilizing a computer-based hospital information system (HIS). A structural model was developed, estimated, and tested using data from 270 members of the medical staff of a 1160 bed, private teaching hospital. The overall model consists of a measurement model which assumes that the observed variables are generated by a smaller number of unobserved variables or factors; and a structural equation model that relates exogenous and endogenous variables. The model indicates that consultation with other physicians on a hospital service leads to greater exposure to potential computer applications resulting in less concern about the potential impact of computers on medical practice. Physicians who are more knowledgeable about computers are far more likely to tailor the system to their individual practice by developing their own personal order sets for use on the HIS. All of these factors result in increased use of the HIS by physicians. A number of policy implications related to the introduction of new computer-based technology into medical practice settings are discussed.