Professional values, technology and future health care: The view of health care professionals in The Netherlands

• Published in: Technology in society 2014-11, Vol.39, p.10-17
• Main Authors: Nieboer, M.E., van Hoof, J., van Hout, A.M., Aarts, S., Wouters, E.J.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptance; Adoption; Availability; Desks; Ehealth; Health care; Implementation; New technology; Nurses; Perception; Phenomenology; Spontaneous; Supervisors; Training
• ISSN: 0160-791X; 1879-3274
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2014.05.003

Perceptions and values of care professionals are critical in successfully implementing technology in health care. The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to explore the main values of health care professionals, (2) to investigate the perceived influence of the technologies regarding these values, and (3) the accumulated views of care professionals with respect to the use of technology in the future. In total, 51 professionals were interviewed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied. All care professionals highly valued being able to satisfy the needs of their care recipients. Mutual inter-collegial respect and appreciation of supervisors was also highly cherished. The opportunity to work in a careful manner was another important value. Conditions for the successful implementation of technology involved reliability of the technology at hand, training with team members in the practical use of new technology, and the availability of a help desk. Views regarding the future of health care were mainly related to financial cut backs and with a lower availability of staff. Interestingly, no spontaneous thoughts about the role of new technology were part of these views. It can be concluded that professionals need support in relating technological solutions to care recipients' needs. The role of health care organisations, including technological expertise, can be crucial here. •The most important values for health care professionals in term of technology use were studied in a wide variety of settings.•Technology use is common among health care professionals, and should be in line with professional values.•To date, technology is not seen as an opportunity for future challenges in health care by health care professionals.