We investigate whether information technology can help physicians more efficiently acquire new knowledge in a clinical environment characterized by information overload. Our analysis makes use of data from a randomized trial as well as a theoretical model of the influence that information technology has on the acquisition of new medical knowledge. Although the theoretical framework we develop is conventionally microeconomic, the model highlights the non-market and non-pecuniary influence activities that have been emphasized in the sociological literature on technology diffusion. We report three findings. First, empirical evidence and theoretical reasoning suggests that computer based decision support will speed the diffusion of new medical knowledge when physicians are coping with information overload. Secondly, spillover effects will likely lead to "underinvestment" in this decision support technology. Third, alternative financing strategies common to new information technology, such as the use of marketing dollars to pay for the decision support systems, may lead to undesirable outcomes if physician information overload is sufficiently severe and if there is significant ambiguity in how best to respond to the clinical issues identified by the computer.
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Paper provided by National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc in its series NBER Working Papers with number
14159.
Length: Date of creation: Jul 2008 Date of revision: Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:14159
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Find related papers by JEL classification: D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Production L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
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Jonathan Skinner & Elliott Fisher & John E. Wennberg, 2001.
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[Downloadable!] (restricted)
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Jonathan S. Skinner & Elliott S. Fisher & John Wennberg, 2005.
"The Efficiency of Medicare,"
NBER Chapters,
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National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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