Document Type : Narrative Review
Authors
1 Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Transformation Management), Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran, and Director of Shafa Specialized Hospital
2 PhD student. public administration:comparative & development management .dehaghan unit.Islamic Azad University, Isfahan., Iran
3 Ph.D., Faculty Member at Islamic Azad University, Dehaghan Branch, Iran
4 Expert in Healthcare Management, Master's student in Healthcare Management at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran,
Abstract
Introduction
Smart hospitals, by leveraging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming efficiency and quality in healthcare delivery. However, the adoption and implementation of these technologies in healthcare settings face numerous challenges and barriers. This study aims to identify and systematically analyze the key factors affecting the adoption of smart hospital technologies, based on a literature review and using the Technology–Organization–Environment framework.
Methods
This study was conducted in 2023 through a narrative review of scientific literature published in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect. Keywords such as “smart health,” “health information technology,” “adoption,” “barriers,” and “challenges” were used for the search. After the initial screening of 10,418 retrieved articles, 26 studies were selected and analyzed using the TOE framework to extract the main challenges and barriers to technology adoption in smart hospitals.
Results
Findings show that the challenges in adopting smart hospital technologies can be categorized into three main domains: technological, organizational, and environmental. Issues such as data security, high costs, system incompatibility, staff resistance, lack of financial and human resources, weak leadership, regulatory constraints, low digital literacy among users, and insufficient training were identified. Among these, organizational challenges had the most significant impact on the adoption process.
Conclusion
Overcoming these barriers requires integrated strategies including strengthening data governance, investing in technology infrastructure, workforce training, and effective management change. Future research should focus on developing practical solutions to facilitate smart hospital adoption. Implementing these strategies can support policymakers and healthcare managers in improving hospital performance and service quality.
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