Decision-making with and without information technology in acute care hospitals: survey in the United States.

These survey results are from a national survey of acute care hospitals. A random sample of 813 hospitals was selected with 115 responding and 33 incorrect addresses resulting in a 15% response rate. The purpose of the study was to measure the extent of information systems integration in the financial, medical, and administrative systems of the hospitals. Decision making with and without information technology is explored based upon the survey data. The results indicate why and how meetings are held. Necessary changes in the decision-making environment are identified for decision making utilizing information technology to be successful. These results will provide a benchmark for hospitals to determine their technology transfer position and to set goals for computer assisted decision-making.