Samenvatting

The IT-monitor gives an overview on the use and implementation of information technology (IT) in general and university hospitals in the Netherlands. Using the questionnaire, earlier applied in Germany and Austria, all Dutch hospitals were requested to participate, of which 20% responded. The results show that the introduction of IT is realised in various activities in several departments of the hospitals. Examples are the Electronic Health Record (EHR), electronic medical correspondence and diagnostic tests such as radiology. Desktops are most commonly used, but laptop and notebook are also used. On the other hand, IT use for medical guidelines, clinical pathways and clinical reminders are not generally introduced. Five reasons are named as barriers for the introduction: lack of financial support, shortage of staff, inadequate suppliers, lack of support by doctors and difficulties in showing the return of investment. With a larger budget available, hospitals will increase the development of IT on various areas in the hospital departments in the near future towards a more eHealth orientated Dutch healthcare.