Various barriers surround the selection and implementation of new types of technology. The most evident concern is the cost of implementation and support of innovative technology. According to Kruse, Kristof, Jones, Mitchell, and Martinez, 18 out of 27 studies in the area mention initial cost as one of the most significant restrictions while choosing a new technology. Additionally, Kruse et al. state that maintenance costs and other financial incentives can prevent care providers from introducing new technology. Indeed, since the expenses of modernization are usually borne by the clinics, they are under constant financial pressure that requires cost-effective solutions for innovation.
Since modern healthcare aims at providing patient-centered care, hospital authorities also focus on public demand while choosing new technologies. For instance, Bhuyan, Bailey-DeLeeuw, Wyant, and Chang state that patients desire to have control over the personal data they contribute to EHRs and hospital databases. Therefore, while shopping for technologies, care providers are to understand privacy concerns and choose innovation strategies that do not endanger protected data.
Resistance to changing work habits and technical concerns also influence the choice of technology. Physicians, nurses, and other hospital personnel may experience difficulties in adopting innovative solutions causing loss of productivity and job dissatisfaction. Technical support is also often cited as an issue that may interfere with effective workflow. In short, the problems surrounding the selection and implementation are numerous, and hospital authorities may have a hard time making the right decision.