Whether the factors of relative advantage, compatibility and complexity influence care providers’ willingness to adopt shared electronic health records

Based on an adaptation of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory, this dissertation addresses the following research question - Whether the factors of relative advantage, compatibility and complexity influence care providers’ willingness to adopt shared electronic health records (SEHRs). Secondary data was collated through an extensive literature review of the legislative and regulatory environment related to health records and the emergence of shared electronic health records. Data was then collected through a self administered questionnaire distributed to over 5000 active members of the Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ). Data analysis initially comprised the use of Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) to refine the variables related to Relative advantage, Compatibility and Complexity. Multiple regression analysis was then conducted to test the relationship between the dimensions of these three independent variables and the dependant variable future willingness to adopt SEHRs. Thirdly Chi-Square analysis was conducted to test whether future willingness to adopt SEHRs varied across the three tiers of the health sector or between public and private sector health care providers. The data revealed that while 72% of those surveyed were willing to adopt SEHRs, significant differences existed between public and private sector care providers and across the three tiers of the health system (GP’s, Specialists and Hospital Staff). In relation to the factors influencing future willingness to adopt SEHR’s, the variables comprising Relative advantage were shown to have a significant impact upon future willingness to adopt SEHRs (significance levels