PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF USING MEDICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THEIR ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF USER EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The digitization of healthcare is considered one of the key factors in improving the quality of medical services, management efficiency, and accessibility of medical care. Despite the active implementation of medical information systems, their practical use is accompanied by a number of organizational and user difficulties. The purpose of this study is to identify the key problems and expectations of users of medical information systems based on a qualitative analysis of user experience.

The study was conducted using a qualitative exploratory design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, including healthcare professionals, patients, and IT specialists. Data analysis was performed using inductive thematic analysis.

In addition to organizational and technological effects, the digitization of healthcare has a significant economic dimension. The introduction of medical information systems involves significant investments in infrastructure, software, staff training, and support for digital solutions. At the same time, the expected economic effects include a reduction in transaction costs, optimization of management processes, increased productivity of medical personnel, and more efficient use of resources by medical organizations.

The study identified five key themes: fragmentation of medical information systems and data duplication, usability issues with interfaces, limited analytical capabilities of systems, trust and security issues with medical data, and expectations for a unified, integrated digital platform. The results show that the effectiveness of healthcare information systems is determined not only by their technological characteristics, but also by the extent to which they meet user needs.

The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the conclusions obtained in the development and improvement of medical information systems, the introduction of user-oriented design, and the formation of integrated digital healthcare ecosystems. The results of the study emphasize the importance of taking the user perspective into account in the digital transformation of the healthcare system.