Reflecting on the Role of IT and IT Research in Healthcare: Moving Healthcare Research into Practice

Today's healthcare organizations face challenges of unprecedented complexity, breadth and intensity. Only a fraction of new scientific discoveries enter day-to-day clinical practice. To aid in the implementation of research into practice, healthcare organizations frequently turn to technology. However, even with the aid of technology, research often fails to be fully integrated into patient treatment. Part of the reason is due to the complexity of the healthcare system, which includes patients, providers, management, and local community input, all of which are influenced by the current political and economic environment. In addition, some authors have noted that studies have often lacked a rigorous scientific approach that would aid in predicting success in future implementations. Panelists will consider how the foundation theories and research in IT, as well as information technology itself, can be used to inform and facilitate the implementation of healthcare research into practice. Participation from the audience will be encouraged.