Creating the Socio-technical Context Needed to Derive Benefits from Big Data Initiatives in Healthcare

Abstract

The application of big data in healthcare typifies a complex socio-technical sys- tem. However, although research and practice have advanced the technical aspects of big data, comparable advancements in the social aspects (i.e., human and structural aspects) are lagging. Literature, especially on socio-technical theory, suggests that organizations may only derive benefits from big data initiatives when technical initiatives are adequate- ly complemented by social interventions. Thus, seeing that big data is receiving consider- able attention in healthcare, researchers have called for further research into the social aspects of the application of big data in healthcare. Adopting a socio-technical perspec- tive, and drawing on a systematic review of 67 articles, this study responds to the calls by collating recommendations that are necessary to establish the socio-technical context required to derive benefits from big data initiatives in healthcare. It further synthesizes the recommendations into a set of heuristics and a model to guide managerial efforts and research. The practical implications, areas for further research, and the limitation of this study are discussed. This study contributes to the discourse on establishing the so- cio-technical context needed to derive benefits from big data initiatives in healthcare.