Title: How healthcare organisations actually use the internet's virtual space: a field study

Authors: Stefano Baraldi, Massimo Memmola

Addresses: Ce.Ri.S.Ma.S., Catholic University, L.go Gemelli, 1 20123, Milan, Italy. ' Ce.Ri.S.Ma.S., Catholic University, L.go Gemelli, 1 20123, Milan, Italy

Abstract: For some years now, the opportunity of innovating business models has basically been linked to continual progress in ICT. Healthcare is no exception; information and communication technologies are generally considered the most effective drivers for changing organisation, improving quality, optimising resources, etc. – at least in theory. In practice, it is not clear which and how many of these opportunities are really exploited by organisations operating in healthcare. This article presents the results of a research project aimed at understanding to what degree and how Italian healthcare organisations make use of the virtual space made available to them by the internet.

Keywords: internet; ICT; internet strategy; healthcare management; web strategy; information technology; communications; electronic healthcare; e-healthcare; Italy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2006.008440

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2006 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.187 - 207

Published online: 20 Dec 2005 *

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