Stages of growth in end-user computing: applications in the health sector of developing countries in Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Information technology is being adopted in the health sector of developing countries at a rapid rate to enhance management of health services. Lessons from the experiences of the business sector of developed countries are useful if adapted to the situation. End-User Computing (EUC) has been recognized to have potentially the greatest impact on productivity and on the efficient use of resources in developed countries. The experience of developing countries in introducing IT is reviewed. Based on the stage hypothesis model of growth in computing, a framework to analyse and predict EUC growth in the health sector of developing countries is described. Using the structure, people and technology parameters of the framework, benchmarks applicable to the health sector in developing countries for each stage are applied to case studies from the Asia-Pacific region. The utility of the framework in identifying key issues that need to be addressed in planning information systems in developing countries is presented.