JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The digital transformation in healthcare requires valid instruments to assess the level of digital maturity in outpatient care. To date, however, there is no standardized and empirically grounded measurement tool for general practice.

Objective:

The aim of this study was therefore to identify and validate key dimensions of digital maturity in order to develop a questionnaire to measure digital maturity of general practices.

Methods:

A web-based cross-sectional survey study was conducted in which general practitioners (GPs) in Germany were surveyed. Based on an exploratory factor analysis, the underlying dimensions of digital maturity were first identified. The factor structure was then examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent and discriminant validity, as well as the overall model quality, were assessed using fit indices. Following model adjustments based on modification indices, the final questionnaire was established.

Results:

Responses from 201 GPs were included in the data analysis. 6 dimensions of digital maturity, comprising 16 items, were identified and validated. Both convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed. The model fit was excellent (Robust Comparative Fit Index = 0.993; Robust Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.990; Robust Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.022; p of close fit = 0.978; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.043). The questionnaire includes the dimensions (1) Effects of digitalization, (2) Participation of practice staff, (3) Maturity of practice management system, (4) Staff competencies and sense of responsibility, (5) IT security and data protection and (6) Digitally supported processes. The scale showed good internal consistency (total Cronbach α=0.809). In our sample, the overall digital maturity averaged 3.77 out of 5, with the highest maturity observed in IT security and data protection (mean 4.45) and the lowest in Effects of digitalization (mean 3.1).

Conclusions:

This is the first study in which the dimensions of digital maturity in outpatient care for general practices have been empirically identified and validated as the basis for developing a questionnaire. The findings provide a foundation for further research on measuring digital maturity in outpatient care and for advancing the development of digital maturity models.