Identifying the Dimensions and Challenges of  Using Digital Innovation in Hospitals:  A Systematic Review Study

Zahra  Mirjalili; Abbas   Babaeinejad; Saeed  Sayadi; Hamidreza  Mollaei

doi:10.18502/mshsj.v10i2.19843

Zahra Mirjalili Ph.D. student of Public Administration, Comparative and Development Orientation, Department of Public Administration, Kerman Branch,Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
Abbas Babaeinejad Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
Saeed Sayadi Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
Hamidreza Mollaei Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/mshsj.v10i2.19843

Keywords: Digital innovation, Hospital, Electronic health, Artificial intelligence, Technology challenges

Abstract

Background: With the advancement of digital technologies, hospitals are increasingly using digital innovations to improve the quality of care, increase productivity, and reduce costs. However, the implementation of these innovations is accompanied by several challenges that can limit their impact. This study aimed to identify the dimensions and challenges of using digital innovation in hospitals.

Methods: The present study was conducted using a systematic review method. To collect data, reputable English databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, Google Scholar and Persian databases including Magiran, Iran Medex, and SID, were searched. Initially, 1144 articles in English and 38 articles in Persian published from January 2015 to January 2025 were reviewed which examined the dimensions and challenges of digital innovation in hospitals, and finally 16 articles were included in the study. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of studies.

Results: According to the survey, the most important dimensions of digital innovation in hospitals include improving the quality of healthcare services, increasing hospital efficiency, reducing healthcare costs, increasing patient satisfaction, and improving hospital information security. Also, key challenges in this field include the lack of appropriate infrastructure and skilled workforce, staff resistance, security concerns and patients data privacy, financial problems, and legal and ethical challenges.

Conclusion: Digital innovation in hospitals can increase the quality of services and patient satisfaction, but its optimal utilization requires addressing financial, infrastructure, security, and human resource challenges.