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Barriers to implementation of digital transformation in the Indian health sector: a systematic review

Author

Listed:
  • Sandeep Inampudi

    (Central University of Karnataka)

  • Eslavath Rajkumar

    (Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai)

  • Aswathy Gopi

    (Central University of Karnataka)

  • K S Vany Mol

    (Central University of Karnataka)

  • K S Sruthi

    (Central University of Karnataka)

Abstract

Digital transformation in the health sector can revolutionize a country’s healthcare system. However, the effective sustainability of digital health relies on various factors that influence its implementation. Addressing such implementation challenges is crucial in designing and delivering digital health services. Therefore, this systematic review attempted to identify the potential barriers to the implementation of digital transformation in the health sector of India. Systematic searches were employed across databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies that reported digital transformation in India from inception to December 2022. Following narrative synthesis, studies were assessed for quality using JBI and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Out of 1129 initially identified records, 26 studies that met the inclusion criteria were deemed eligible for final analysis. Although digital transformation in India’s health sector occurred rapidly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still potential barriers that impede its successful implementation in the country. Barriers identified are mainly associated with limited technological and medical infrastructure, data security and privacy, and a lack of physical examination. The need to address these barriers, recommendations for government and healthcare practitioners, and implications for future research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandeep Inampudi & Eslavath Rajkumar & Aswathy Gopi & K S Vany Mol & K S Sruthi, 2024. "Barriers to implementation of digital transformation in the Indian health sector: a systematic review," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03081-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03081-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kraus, Sascha & Schiavone, Francesco & Pluzhnikova, Anna & Invernizzi, Anna Chiara, 2021. "Digital transformation in healthcare: Analyzing the current state-of-research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 557-567.
    2. Swetha Sampathkumar & Meenakshi Sankar & Sankar Ramasamy & Nivedita Sriram & Ponnusamy Saravanan & Uma Ram, 2022. "Uptake, Engagement and Acceptance, Barriers and Facilitators of a Text Messaging Intervention for Postnatal Care of Mother and Child in India—A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Anol Bhattacherjee & Neset Hikmet, 2007. "Physicians' resistance toward healthcare information technology: a theoretical model and empirical test," European Journal of Information Systems, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(6), pages 725-737, December.
    4. Andréa Belliger & David J. Krieger, 2018. "The Digital Transformation of Healthcare," Progress in IS, in: Klaus North & Ronald Maier & Oliver Haas (ed.), Knowledge Management in Digital Change, pages 311-326, Springer.
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