Understanding the complex and dynamic nature of e-health systems assimilation: a system dynamics modelling approach

Abstract

Technology assimilation process allows organisations and individuals to integrate technologies into their user practices in a non-routine post-adoptive manner that enhances organisational outcomes. However, previous research in technology implementation shows an assimilation gap between organisational adoption and the full deployment of these technologies within work practices. Healthcare institutions suffer from low technology assimilation often associated with slow uptake on e-health systems. Technology assimilation is a dynamic and complex process and yet previous studies seem incognisant of this understanding and have mainly used variance models to conceptualise and study technology usage. Such studies have thus failed to acknowledge the impact of elements of feedback loops, delays and non-linearity inherent in technology assimilation on the use of technologies. This paper highlights the complex dynamic nature of technology assimilation process within a healthcare setting and proposes system dynamics as a complementary approach to model e-health systems assimilation. System dynamics is an approach used by researchers to gain decision insights into complex dynamic systems by inferring system behaviour from the structure of the system.