Back to the future of IT adoption and evaluation in healthcare

This is a time of expansion, hope and change in the area of Health Information Technology (HIT). In this study, we provide an in-depth perspective into the adoption and diffusion of IT in healthcare based on a review of the current literature and upon expert panel assessments of adoption and diffusion issues, achievements to date, challenges facing key e-health technologies and future possibilities. These data are synthesised in the form of a research framework showing the main three areas of e-health (Electronic Medical Records, Clinical and Administrative systems and Telehealth) on three levels (individual, organisation and system). Current adoption and diffusion challenges and future possibilities are systematically presented via this research framework to inspire practice and research with both an individual and collective view of the key health systems currently confronting the healthcare sector