Date of Conferral

7-15-2025

Degree

Doctor of Information Technology (D.I.T.)

School

Information Systems and Technology

Advisor

Jon McKeeby

Abstract

In the healthcare industry, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of IT systems is crucial. However, some organizations face difficulties in implementing effective segregation of duties (SoD) processes, which can lead to increased risks. This is a major concern for healthcare IT leaders and organizations, as inadequate SoD can compromise patient data security and disrupt operational efficiency. The purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic study was to explore the strategies used by senior IT leaders to implement SoD processes. The transformational leadership theory was used as the conceptual framework for the study. The participants included seven IT leaders at Northeastern U.S. healthcare organizations, including community hospitals and integrated care delivery systems, which had an SoD strategy. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis, involving transcription, coding, and categorization, triangulated with six documents from government and industry sources. Four major themes emerged: definition and roles and responsibilities; training and education; understanding of importance; and technology, tools, and logical security controls. The implications for positive social change include the potential for IT leaders to implement effective SoD strategies, enhancing data security for healthcare organizations and protecting patients from harm due to system breaches.

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