Human resource management information stystems in healthcare

Studies of HRIS in healthcare organizations are under-represented in the scientific literature, despite their potential to contribute to information-driven, learning healthcare systems and the substantial financial investments that are being made in them. Given the rising cost of healthcare and the growth in patient traffic, the future sustainability of health systems will depend on making best use of information to optimize the deployment of Human Resources. However, there has been little robust evidence of the effectiveness of HRIS, suggesting that decision-making is being guided more by vision than evidence. This research (consisting of two empirical qualitative case-studies in two different European countries, informed by a systematic literature review) addresses this important gap. In particular, it analyzes the expected and actual outcomes of HRIS, the influence of socio-technical factors on these projects, as well as processes of HRIS development and implementation in both contexts. This analysis yields a framework for describing the process through which social context shapes organizational information system innovations over time. This framework, and the taxonomy of expected and realized benefits from HRIS, contribute meaningfully to the development of theory in this area and can inform future HRIS research. Insights and recommendations from the studies may also serve as a helpful point of reference for managers planning or implementing HRIS, and policymakers or research sponsors considering investments in health informatics.