The diffusion of computer-based information technology into health institutions of Republic of Serbia (FR Yugoslavia)

Abstract

The basic purpose of this study was to analyze the diffusion of computer-based information technology into the health care institutions of the Republic of Serbia in the year 1994, and to compare the results with a similar investigation in 1992 in order to determine the state and progress of its development. The instrument of investigation was a questionnaire with 24 questions, distributed to all the independent health institutions in Serbia (total 238). The overall response rate was 40.8%. Of the number of responding health institutions, 92.8% own computers which are in use, six PCs on average, and on average use two application softwares, obligatory one for accounting and billing. In conclusion, health care institutions in the Republic of Serbia are unsatisfactorily equipped with information technology and without the developed institutional information system, except on the level of the project. So, careful planning, selection, implementation and management with national coordination will be needed to ensure the appropriate use of technology and information systems in health care.