National health care providers' database (NHCPD) of Slovenia--information technology solution for health care planning and management.
BACKGROUND
The article describes the possibilities of planning of the health care providers' network enabled by the use of information technology. The cornerstone of such planning is the development and establishment of a quality database on health care providers, health care professionals and their employment statuses.


METHODS
Based on the analysis of information needs, a new database was developed for various users in health care delivery as well as for those in health insurance. The method of information engineering was used in the standard four steps of the information system construction, while the whole project was run in accordance with the principles of two internationally approved project management methods. Special attention was dedicated to a careful analysis of the users' requirements and we believe the latter to be fulfilled to a very large degree.


RESULTS
The new NHCPD is a relational database which is set up in two important state institutions, the National Institute of Public Health and the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia. The former is responsible for updating the database, while the latter is responsible for the technological side as well as for the implementation of data security and protection. NHCPD will be inter linked with several other existing applications in the area of health care, public health and health insurance. Several important state institutions and professional chambers are users of the database in question, thus integrating various aspects of the health care system in Slovenia.


CONCLUSIONS
The setting up of a completely revised health care providers' database in Slovenia is an important step in the development of a uniform and integrated information system that would support top decision-making processes at the national level.
Albreht
T
T
Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Paulin
M
M
D016208:Databases, Factual; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006285:Health Planning; D006801:Humans; D019451:Information Management; D009313:National Health Programs; D017524:Slovenia; D017749:Total Quality Management