Impact of ICT Strategy on Intellectual Capital, Quality of Service, and Financial Autonomy in Polish Hospitals

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is crucial for the technological development of most areas of human economic activity. Appropriate ICT can positively influence the development of intellectual capital, knowledge management, enhancement of purely medical technologies, and the financial autonomy of health care units.The article aims to present and verify the model determining the impact of financial autonomy and the orientation of hospital managers on ICT strategy on the quality of medical services, and the development of intellectual capital of medical personnel. The research model was developed based on empirical studies conducted in Polish hospitals. This is the first study of its kind in Poland. Theoretical constructs of the model have been developed for the aforementioned phenomena. These constructs and their mutual relationships are the basis of the research model developed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A survey was conducted among managers of Polish hospitals and used to create SEM measurement models. The survey was developed based on subject-based literature focused on similar research models and interviews with managers of Polish hospitals.The estimation and correctness of the model parameters were assessed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) methodology. The hypotheses proposed in the paper have been acknowledged. The model meets the required quality criteria, and all model parameters are statistically significant.
 The appropriate use of ICT and the financial autonomy of Polish hospitals positively affect the development of intellectual capital and the quality of services provided. The research findings may be helpful for the knowledge management of hospital personnel.