Market and Organizational Characteristics Associated With Nursing Home Health Information Technology Maturity

Purpose: To examine the association between market and organizational variables (financial health, market competitiveness, social capital) on health information technology (HIT) maturity levels across nursing homes. Method: Using a national sample of HIT maturity in 525 nursing homes, we used a standard ordinary least squares regression model with robust standard errors to explore market and organizational factors associated with HIT maturity. Results: We found four of seven financial health variables (operating income per resident day, total facility beds, occupancy percentage, chain affiliation) associated with HIT maturity. Moderately concentrated counties (market competitiveness) also exhibited higher HIT maturity. Social capital indicators were not associated with HIT maturity. Conclusion: Facilities with greater resources can make more significant HIT investments and are associated with higher HIT maturity. These findings can assist health care leaders in strategically examining the factors that drive investments in information technology within nursing homes.