Final answer:
Government regulations have been the most crucial factor in accelerating health information technology adoption since 2008, especially through acts like the HITECH Act which established financial incentives and meaningful use standards for EHRs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The single most important factor in accelerating health information technology adoption since 2008 has been government regulations. The United States government has implemented a series of measures to encourage the adoption of health information technology, such as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. This act provided financial incentives to healthcare providers to adopt electronic health records (EHRs) and established the meaningful use program, which set standards for the use of EHRs.
Additionally, these regulations include promoting interoperability and patients' access to their own health information. The government's approach to increase the use of health information technology has been more impactful than simply relying on technological advancements, providing financial incentives directly to healthcare providers, or relying on increased awareness alone.