Abstract
PurposeDigital platforms are essential for fostering innovation in first-line healthcare. These platforms require openness, allowing external parties to utilize, enhance, or profit from them. Yet, knowledge about barriers to realizing platform openness is lacking. This research investigates the barriers to realizing platform openness in first-line healthcare. MethodThis research employed a qualitative exploratory approach. We collected data through thirteen semi-structured interviews with platform experts, application developers, and healthcare practitioners. As a study setting, we focused on Dutch first-line healthcare. We then analyzed the data using thematic analysis. ResultWe identify barriers in three main categories that hinder platform openness: technology-related (e.g., redundancy in development work), business-related (e.g., profit-maximizing strategy), and healthcare-related (e.g., reluctance to change). Scientific contributionWe contribute to the platform literature in medical informatics by being among the first to examine openness barriers that hinder platform-based innovation. We thus explain why platform implementations often do not result in substantial improvements in healthcare delivery despite their transformative impact in other industries.
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