Electronic health records using a resource advantage theory perspective: an interdisciplinary literature review
ISSN: 0956-5698
Article publication date: 18 May 2022
Issue publication date: 1 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Warren Buffett asserted that the greatest issue confronting American business and the economy is rising health-care costs, which have risen to 17% of gross domestic product. Public policymakers, health-care providers and other stakeholders grapple with cost-containment and increased health-care delivery efficiencies. There exists a paucity of theory-driven research addressing how information technology vis-à-vis electronic health records (EHR) may supply a managerial mechanism for increasing bottom-line hospital performance, thereby attaining competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic interdisciplinary literature review motivated by resource advantage theory (RAT) offers a conceptual foundation for analyzing the financial, informational and physical workflows that are core elements of supply chain management in a hospital.
Findings
RAT links how EHR impacts profitability, competitive advantage and macromarketing factors in hospital supply chains. The literature review provides a research synthesis of the implementation and adoption of EHR to reveal its impact on a hospital’s competitive advantage. Although legislative initiatives like the 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and the Affordable Care Act encourage EHR adoption, there remains a reluctance for hospitals to do so.
Originality/value
The extant literature precedes the relevant legislation, has incomplete data or focuses solely on patient outcomes.
Keywords
Citation
Malhan, A., Manuj, I., Pelton, L. and Pavur, R. (2022), "Electronic health records using a resource advantage theory perspective: an interdisciplinary literature review", Records Management Journal, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 126-150. https://doi.org/10.1108/RMJ-06-2021-0026
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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