The complexity of eHealth implementation : A theoretical and practical perspective

This chapter discusses the complexity of eHealth implementation from a theoretical and practical perspective. In the first part of this chapter, several theories and frameworks regarding implementation are introduced and critically discussed, e.g. the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the RE-AIM framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation. After that, several examples from practice are discussed and connected to issues with implementation. These examples illustrate the relationship between implementation and four main topics: eHealth development, characteristics of the technology, financing and the healthcare context. The chapter finishes with a critical look at current implementation theories.