JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

5G technology is gaining traction in Chinese hospitals for its potential to enhance patient care and internal management. However, various barriers hinder its implementation in clinical settings, and studies on their relevance and importance are scarce.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify critical barriers hampering the effective implementation of 5G in hospitals in western China, to identify interaction relationships and priorities of the above-identified barriers, and to assess the intensity of the relationships and cause-and-effect relations between the adoption barriers.

Methods:

This paper employs the Delphi expert consultation method to determine key barriers to 5G adoption in Western China hospitals, the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to uncover interaction relationships and priorities, and the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to reveal cause-and-effect relationships and their intensity levels.

Results:

Fourteen barriers were determined by literature review and the Delphi method. Among these, "lack of policies on ethics, rights and responsibilities in core healthcare scenarios" emerged as the fundamental influencing factor in the entire system, as it was the only factor at the bottom level of the ISM model. Eight barriers were classified as the "cause group" and six as the "effect group" by the DEMATEL method. "High expense" and "organizational barriers within hospitals" were determined as the most significant driving barrier (highest R-C value of 1.361) and the most critical barrier (highest R+C value of 4.317), respectively.

Conclusions:

Promoting the integration of 5G in hospitals in Western China faces multiple complex and interrelated barriers. The study provides valuable quantitative evidence and a comprehensive approach for regulatory authorities, hospitals, and telecom operators, helping them develop strategic pathways for promoting widespread 5G adoption in healthcare. It is suggested that the stakeholders cooperate to explore and solve the problems in the 5G medical care era, aiming to achieve the coverage of 5G medical care across the country. To our best knowledge, this study is the first academic exploration systematically analyzing factors resisting 5G integration in Chinese hospitals, it may give subsequent researchers a solid foundation for further studying the application and development of 5G in healthcare.