Title: Telemedicine as an IS implementation problem: comparison of dynamics in the USA and India

Authors: David Bangert, Robert Doktor

Addresses: University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Management and Industrial Relations, College of Business Administration, 2404 Maile Way, C305, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Management and Industrial Relations, College of Business Administration, 2404 Maile Way, C305, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

Abstract: The research reported here involved a longitudinal study, lasting three years, of the utilisation of an IS system designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for the US military and their dependents. This study employed elements of a positivist methodology and an intensive research method. A discussion of the difficulties and conflicts inherent in multimethodological studies is presented. Findings indicate that low utilisation rates arose from a cultural mind set mismatch. This is compared to findings in India concerning the implementation of GIS systems. The mismatch was between the cultural variables conducive to organisational learning found in the implementing organisation. The Primary Care Clinic yielded low organisational learning cultural variables that were non-conducive to rapid adoption of the new and intrusive IS technology.

Keywords: telemedicine implementation; organisational learning; organisational culture; India; USA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2002.002430

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2002 Vol.4 No.6, pp.525-541

Published online: 17 Jul 2003 *

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