Readiness for RFID Technology Implementation: A Feasibility Study in Ophthalmology Hospital

Abstract

Aim: Since the readiness study is considered a basic step in implementing various technologies, this study was conducted to assess the readiness of Al-Zahra Ophthalmology Hospital for implementing RFID technology. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Zahra Ophthalmology Hospital in Zahedan (the eastern province of Iran). Personnel of departments including emergency, management, information technology, and health information management formed the research population. A researcher-constructed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of two parts with 37 questions for assessing the hospital readiness and the barriers of using RFID technology. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23. Results: The mean scores of humans, technical and organizational readiness of Al-Zahra Hospital for RFID technology were: 29, 45.14, and 33.5, respectively. In other words, technical readiness was assessed at a good level and human and organizational readiness at a moderate level. The overall readiness of Al-Zahra Hospital for RFID technology has been at a moderate level (mean score of 35.88). The mean score of barriers to using RFID technology was 37.82. Conclusion: Based on the findings, although there are positive points about RFID technology in terms of technology acceptance, organizational and technical issues, the lack of technical manpower, radio waves equipment, and budget are among the major challenges of RFID technology implementation in Al-Zahra hospital. Therefore, allocating the budget and employing specialized human resources, and creating the necessary technical infrastructure are necessary for implementing RFID technology.