Expanding the scope of health information systems - from hospitals to regional networks, to national infrastructures, and beyond.
OBJECTIVE
To identify current developments, obstacles, and opportunities for health information systems.


METHODS
International reports were discussed during an IMIA HIS Working Conference with a focus on architectural design, project goals and drivers, obstacles, and opportunities.


RESULTS
Technology and standards are available to build regional and national health IT networks, and successful implementations are currently being realized. There is, however, little consensus and communication concerning goals, benefits and risks of large-scale health IT initiatives. Complexity tends to be under-estimated, and the public needs to be more involved in the decision-making process.


CONCLUSIONS
On all levels and across borders, a climate of exchange of ideas, experiences - both successes and failures-, policies, standards, systems, and information should be created.
Kuhn
K A
KA
University Medical Center, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Germany. klaus.kuhn@lrz.tum.de
Giuse
D A
DA
Lapão
L
L
Wurst
S H R
SH
D003256:Community Participation; D003199:Computer Systems; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D005858:Germany; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D012040:Regional Health Planning