Measuring the value and sustainability of internet-based ICTs in healthcare organisations

This paper deals with technology assessment of internet-based Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Healthcare Organisations (HCOs). The authors formalise an original framework that support decision making and resource allocation. The framework takes into account the recent contributions in the literature and it has been tailored to RIS-PACS systems, even if its design is generalisable to other healthcare ICTs. Two main concepts have been deployed: the 'value' of an ICT investment for a HCO and the level of 'sustainability' of this investment. Each concept has been operationalised in a set of measurable variables, allowing healthcare managers to place an internet-based ICT investment in a decisional space. Ad hoc selection criteria are suggested. Empirical data were gathered from an in detail case study on an Italian teaching HCO.