Evolutionary paths and influencing factors towards digital maturity: An analysis of the status quo in Swiss hospitals

Objective: The purpose of this study is to discuss the term ‘digital maturity’ based on the evidence emerging from an extensive longitudinal investigation. Further, this study provides evidence regarding evolutionary paths, influencing factors, and improvement potentials in hospitals. Materials and methods: Based on a comprehensive multi-year (2008–2014) data set obtained from a previously developed benchmarking and maturity assessment tool, we conducted exploratory-descriptive and path analyses to detect structural patterns and alternative explanations for the digital maturity of Swiss hospitals (n = 35). Results: Digital maturity is a relative and subjective construct that either improves or worsens over time, is bound to perceptions of health professionals, and seldom reaches a final stage. We found that hospitals have a strong internal focus, and that digitalization is conducted in a reactive way. Since digital maturity is constantly in flux, the health information technology (HIT) appraisal of hospitals suffers from temporal variances due to several factors, such as enhancements in the eco-system, changes in the user base, or unforeseen/unprepared system adaptations. Conclusion: Although there are different ways to influence the perceived digital maturity of a hospital, the most promising way is to invest in hardware and software because investments in personnel development or enhancements of operations and maintenance services did not show a significant relation. In conclusion, digital maturity is a hospital's organizational asset that needs to be maintained and nurtured over time.