Methodology

To ensure the most informed, representative coverage of the field possible, data was solicited from one individual—a senior IT executive – per healthcare organization. Nearly 3,000 chief information officers (CIOs)/directors of information systems at healthcare facilities across the United States were invited to participate via e-mail.

A total of 253 respondents completed the self-administered, Web-based questionnaire between December 6, 2004 and January 26, 2005. These individuals oversee the technology operations at over 550 hospitals located throughout the United States.

Three other groups were also included in this study. Data collected from vendor chief executive officers (CEOs), provider CEOs and physician and nursing executives will be released in three separate reports in the spring of 2005.