Data governance in healthcare information systems: A systematic literature review

Many organisations realise that data governance (DG) as a promising method of keeping data as a valuable asset (Otto 2011a, 2011b). Kitchenham and Charters (2007) suggest that a systematic literature review (SLR) is a strategy of assessing and interpreting all existing papers that are pertinent to the study. Siddaway (2014) explains an SLR as a method that addresses problems resulting from conflicting findings, produced by researchers. Piper (2013) points out that SLR permits complete, unbiased and literature-wide assessment of study results, design and quality. Okoli (2015) argues in detail that an SLR when properly done is valuable and turns into a highly cited part of the study that researchers pursue when undertaking a new investigation. Furthermore, such freestanding reviews summarise the evidence that is available to identify gaps in a research. The SLR method identifies, integrates and critically evaluates such findings. Background: This study aimed to investigate data governance (DG) related to challenges associated with healthcare information systems (HIS), by reviewing guidelines emerging from academic sources as part of a consolidated systematic literature review (SLR). The research contributed theoretically towards the body of knowledge, by reviewing challenges and guidelines related to DG within the healthcare environment. It contributed practically to the body of knowledge through understanding the healthcare information’s systems status. The study also contributed methodologically and significantly to SLR strategies. Objectives: The objective of this study was to understand the features of HIS; acquire information about DG success and understand the influence noted on DG. Method: The study conducted an SLR over the period 2010–2020. Literature collection was not only restricted to South African publications but was extended to international sources. This study adapted a mono method. Results: The study revealed that many organisations have realised that the only method to fix the data problem is the implementation of effective DG. With the increased adoption and rise of cloud computing, DG is gaining interest amongst specialists. Conclusion: The shift from paper-based systems led organisations to seek organisational change through digital transformation. The proper collection and utilisation of electronic healthcare record is the foundation of the digital healthcare. Many organisations value DG as a promising method of maintaining data as a valuable asset.