Teleworking and the Importance of Information Systems in a Pandemic Context: A Study Applied to the Health Sector

Rui Ribeiro Santos, Serviços Partilhados do Ministério da Saúde
João AM Nascimento, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém
Sandra Oliveira, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém e Centro de Estudos e Investigação em Saúde da Universidade de Coimbra (CEISUC)

Abstract

The pandemic crisis compelled organizations to adopt telework to continue their activity. This study seeks to determine the perception of individuals regarding teleworking, and also the role of Information Systems in the paradigm shift along the pandemic period, in the Portuguese health sector. An online questionnaire was applied to health professionals working in Portugal, obtaining a sample of 264 professionals. The perceptions identified in relation to telework can be especially useful when considering the progressive incorporation of non-face-to-face activities in the health sector. Participants identify advantages in teleworking, namely in reducing travel costs, but also identify work overload as a disadvantage. Despite the difficulties, Information Systems are identified as facilitators in this process of change. Most participants express availability to work in a mixed regime, in the post-pandemic period.