The voice of healthcare: introducing digital decision support systems into clinical practice - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: There is a need to accelerate digital transformation in healthcare to meet increasing needs and demands. The accuracy of medical digital diagnosis tools is improving. The introduction of new technology in healthcare can however be challenging and it is unclear how it should be done to reach desired results. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions and experiences of introducing new Information Technology (IT) in a primary healthcare organisation, exemplified with a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) for malignant melanoma. METHODS: A qualitative interview-based study was performed in Region Stockholm, Sweden, with fifteen medical doctors representing three different organisational levels – primary care physician, primary healthcare centre manager, and regional manager/chief medical officer. In addition, one software provider was included. Interview data were analysed according to content analysis. RESULTS: One central theme “Introduction of digital CDSS in primary healthcare requires a multidimensional perspective and handling” along with seven main categories and thirty-three subcategories emerged from the analysis. Digital transformation showed to be key for current healthcare providers to stay relevant and competitive. However, healthcare represents a closed community, very capable but with lack of time, fostered to be sceptical to new why change needs to bring true value and be inspired by people with medical background to motivate the powerful frontline. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study revealed structured information of what goes wrong and right and what needs to be considered when driving digital change in primary care organisations. The task shows to be complex and the importance of listening to the voice of healthcare is valuable for understanding the conditions that need to be fulfilled when adopting new technology into a healthcare organization. By considering the findings of this study upcoming digital transformations can improve their success-rate. The information may also be used in developing a holistic approach or framework model, adapted to primary health care, that can support and accelerate the needed digitalization in healthcare as such. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-023-02024-6.