Technological integration and communication in hospital administration. A cross-sectional study
Keywords:
digital health, ICTs; management, technological integration, communication, hospital administrationAbstract
Introduction: technological integration is now conceived as a broader process than the simple adoption of devices or programs, encompassing the ability of management teams to appropriate technology and incorporate it into their administrative and communication dynamics. Despite the progress made, the region still faces the challenge of consolidating more integrated and sustainable administrative models, where technology is used not only as an operational tool but also as a means to strengthen communication, coordination, and strategic planning.
Objective: to examine the relationship between technological integration and communication in the administrative roles of directors, deputy directors, and heads of departments at private clinics in Ambato and Riobamba, Ecuador, also analyzing possible differences in the degree of communication enhancement in hospital administration, depending on the stages of technological integration reached by the managers.
Methods: a quantitative study was conducted with an exploratory, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design. The non-probability sample consisted of 132 executives (directors, deputy directors, and heads of departments) from 10 clinics in the cities of Ambato and Riobamba, Ecuador. Means, standard deviations, and ranges were calculated to characterize the sample and the main variables. Pearson's coefficient was applied to evaluate the relationship between the dimensions of technological integration and the areas of communication for hospital administration. Inferential analyses were then performed, including multivariate MANOVA.
Results: In the Adoption subscale (F = 2.51; p = 0.046), communication aimed at strengthening the organizational structure presents significantly lower scores compared to communication for adequate strategic planning. Similarly, in the Appropriation subscale (F = 2.64; p = 0.042), statistically significant differences are evident between communication for strengthening the organizational structure and the other groups.
Conclusions: the study shows that technological integration is closely related to administrative communication in private clinics in Ambato and Riobamba, having a distinct impact on communication during management functions, especially in strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational structure.
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