The role of IT governance in generating business value from IT investments in healthcare: Lessons from an Australian case.

Abstract

Digitising the core processes of healthcare delivery is looked at as a solution to control the escalating costs without compromising quality or patient outcomes. However, to date the business value of such IT solutions remains elusive, especially in view of the high failure rate of many solutions coupled with the high user resistance. The uniqueness of the healthcare industry makes measuring the business value of IT a complex missions, yet it is the thesis of this research that such an activity is an essential first step if we are to realise the full potential of IT in healthcare. The role IT governance can play is of high importance to generate business value from IT investments in healthcare. This is investigated using an integrative model that is proffered to conceptualise the business value of IT in healthcare. This conceptual model is then used to guide an exploratory case study based at a leading private healthcare provider in Melbourne-Australia.