Strategic use of IT in Radiology A comparison between Sweden and the USA

Abstract

Information technology in healthcare is a hot topic both in the media, and for those who work in healthcare. Many experts argue the benefits that would be achieved by using IT more in healthcare. Within radiology there has been major efficiency and quality increases through digital imaging and information systems. This thesis examines how these information systems are strategically used in radiology departments in Sweden and the USA. The study shows that radiology is mature when it comes to use of IT and that productivity is high, but the use of digital technology alone, does not provide any competitive advantage to radiology. It does make it possible to run the business of radiology in new ways which could provide advantages. The real beneficiaries of the fast development of digital technology in radiology is society as a whole, and both Sweden and the USA have work in progress towards integration of systems nation-wide for healthcare in general.