Exploring physicians’ continuous use of clinical decision support systems

Today, studying continuous clinical decision support system (CDSS) use is critical as continuity is a prerequisite to sustaining successful CDSS implementations. Previous health information technology (HIT) research has focused on HIT acceptance via information system-related constructs. Theoretical models explaining HIT use are limited and obfuscated other phases of HIT, such as continuous use in a clinical context. This study seeks to fill this gap by integrating context-related factors with IS factors in a theoretical framework that explains the antecedents of continuous use. To validate this model, data were collected from physicians after six months of using CDSS as well as system usage data from system logs. Threats to physician professional identity surpassed the intention to continue using CDSS, influencing its use by physicians in the first six months, and patients affected by the system influenced physician satisfaction with the system and, hence, their use of the system. This study reveals physicians’ continuous use of CDSS and explains the effects of healthcare contexts on physicians’ behaviour.