title: Advantages of a multi-facility information technology consortium.
abstract: The formation of an information technology consortium has proven to be a way for several rural hospitals in Northern Minnesota to purchase and successfully install the right technology solutions for their facilities. The concept described is very similar to that used by the Independent Grocer Alliance (IGA), which allows local independent grocers to buy products at prices comparable to these obtained by larger chain stores.
authors.affiliation: Sisu Medical Systems and Sisu Medical Solutions, Duluth, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D003199:Computer Systems; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017754:Group Purchasing; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006755:Hospital Shared Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006788:Hospitals, Voluntary / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration; D020407:Internet; D008283:Maintenance; D008910:Minnesota; D017008:Negotiating; D009935:Organizational Affiliation; D012984:Software