Improving Information Security Behaviour in the Healthcare Context

Abstract

The privacy of patient information is important yet healthcare professionals are resistant to Health Information Systems, Information Technology usage and particularly information security mechanisms. In this paper, a literature review is used to gain knowledge about the medical and information security cultures involved. The gap between the intention to use Information Technology and actual compliance is examined with an investigation of behavioural change agents as Information Technology-usage motivators. Research reveals emotions as strong motivators of attitudes and behaviours. The Coping Model of User Adaptation is reviewed together with the Appraisal Tendency Framework. Logical argumentation is used to propose a theory that uses a behavioural change agent with the Coping Model of User Adaptation and the Framework for Classifying Emotions (an off-shoot of the Appraisal Tendency Framework) as tools. This theory will promote emotions that are conducive to information security obedience (or ‘good’ information security behaviour) in the healthcare context.