Presenting a Healthcare System Readiness Model for Entry into the Fourth Generation of Industry: A Mixed Methods Approach

Seyed Mohsen Hosseini  Goorab; Mehrdad Hosseini  Shakib; Abbas  Khamseh

doi:10.18502/mshsj.v10i3.20650

Seyed Mohsen Hosseini Goorab MSc in Industrial Management, Department of Industrial Management, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Mehrdad Hosseini Shakib Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Abbas Khamseh Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/mshsj.v10i3.20650

Keywords: Digital health, Industry, Healthcare system, Information technology

Abstract

Background: The Fourth Industrial Revolution, with the integration of physical, digital, and biological technologies, has confronted global healthcare systems with numerous challenges and opportunities. The objective of this research is to design a readiness model for healthcare systems to enter the fourth generation of the industry.

Methods: This study was conducted using a mixed methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach in an exploratory sequential design. In the qualitative section, 39 relevant articles (2016-2025) were content analyzed. Then, using the fuzzy Delphi method with the participation of 12 experts, the dimensions and components of the model were refined through three survey rounds. In the quantitative section, 245 healthcare system experts and specialists were selected using convenience sampling. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. Data analysis was performed using confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: The final healthcare system readiness model includes 7 dimensions and 48 components. The identified dimensions, in order of importance, are: collaboration and integration, smart processes and services, technology and digital infrastructure, data management and artificial intelligence, governance and policy making, security and privacy, and human resources and skills. The resulting model has appropriate fit and all factor loadings were significant. The model was able to explain 93 percent of the variations in the healthcare system readiness variable.

Conclusion: Healthcare system readiness for entering the fourth generation of industry requires simultaneous attention to various technical, human, procedural, data management, governance, security, and especially collaboration and integration dimensions