DigIn

Project objectives

Innovation in the field of Information Technology (IT) is revolutionizing the healthcare system and the hospital context in many aspects. Most digital innovations are promoted, guided and implemented by Leadership in a 'top-down' manner; an example of this is the adoption and implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EHR). Other digital innovations are instead implemented by healthcare workers working 'on the front line' in a 'bottom-up' manner, and often propagate silently according to a phenomenon called 'back-door adoption' (ingthrough the back door); an example of this is the use of instant messaging applications in the healthcare context to support clinical-care processes or the use of other technologies which, because they are very easy to use, are adopted by healthcare professionals without any formal approval or evaluation by of Management. An ever-increasing number of healthcare professionals are using WhatsApp in the work context to share information with colleagues and patients or to support clinical processes. International studies in recent years have highlighted advantages, disadvantages and individual factors that influence the use of WhatsApp in the hospital context. In particular, two positions seem to coexist in the scientific debate: those who underline all the positive aspects of the phenomenon, and those who also highlight the negative aspects, linked above all to the clinical risk, the quality of care, the protection of privacy and the protection of data. sensitive. Despite the numerous advantages described in the literature, WhatsApp is currently used by healthcare professionals without policies or guidelines that promote its use consistent with the relevant legislation and with the quality and safety standards required for the hospital context.
The study aims to evaluate the methods of use and the individual and organizational motivations that induce doctors, nurses and patients to use digital innovations implemented with "top-down" methods, such as the Electronic Medical Record, or "bottom-up" and what are the related benefits and perceived risks.

Start and end date

Project Manager

Coordinating institution of the project

Other Institutions involved

• Polytechnic of Milan (Department of Economics, Management and Industrial Engineering)