Summary
Objectives: The evaluation of a service-oriented prototype implementation for healthcare interoperability.
Methods: A prototype framework was developed, aiming to exploit the use of service-oriented
architecture (SOA) concepts for achieving healthcare interoperability and to move
towards a virtual patient record (VPR) paradigm. The prototype implementation was
evaluated for its hypothetical adoption. The evaluation strategy was based on the
initial proposition of the DeLone and McLean model of information systems (IS) success
[1], as modeled by Iivari [2]. A set of SOA and VPR characteristics were empirically
encapsulated within the dimensions of IS success model, combined with measures from
previous research works. The data gathered was analyzed using partial least squares
(PLS).
Results: The results highlighted that system quality is a partial predictor of system use
but not of user satisfaction. On the contrary, information quality proved to be a
significant predictor of user satisfaction and partially a strong significant predictor
of system use. Moreover, system use did not prove to be a significant predictor of
individual impact whereas the bi-directional relation between use and user satisfaction
did not confirm. Additionally, user satisfaction was found to be a strong significant
predictor of individual impact. Finally, individual impact proved to be a strong significant
predictor of organizational impact.
Conclusions: The empirical study attempted to obtain hypothetical, but still useful beliefs and
perceptions regarding the SOA prototype implementation. The deduced observations can
form the basis for further investigation regarding the adaptability of SOA implementations
with VPR characteristics in the health-care domain.
Keywords
Interoperability - process - assessment-evaluation - IS success model - DeLone and
McLean - partial least squares