From hospital information systems to health information systems. Problems, challenges, perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
Hospital information systems are evolving towards health information systems. This article aims at identifying both proven benefits and critical issues, and at discussing problems and possible solutions.


METHODS
Reports on HIS successes and failures were analyzed, and core challenges were identified. These challenges are discussed against state of the art solutions.


RESULTS
In spite of demonstrated benefits, there are more severe problems than reports on successes suggest. Among today's core problems are integration, human-computer interaction, socio-technical issues, and support of processes.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant efforts of all parties involved in the health care process are needed to improve, implement, and evaluate the concepts described.
Kuhn
K A
KA
Institute of Medical Informatics, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany. kuhn@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Giuse
D A
DA
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D012015:Reference Standards; D018511:Systems Integration; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface