title: Web-based integrated public healthcare information system of Korea: development and performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Web-based integrated public healthcare information system (PHIS) of Korea was planned and developed from 2005 to 2010, and it is being used in 3,501 regional health organizations. This paper introduces and discusses development and performance of the system.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed and examined documents about the development process and performance of the newly integrated PHIS. The resources we analyzed the national plan for public healthcare, information strategy for PHIS, usage and performance reports of the system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The integrated PHIS included 19 functional business areas, 47 detailed health programs, and 48 inter-organizational tasks. The new PHIS improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the business process and inter-organizational business, and enhanced user satisfaction. Economic benefits were obtained from five categories: labor, health education and monitoring, clinical information management, administration and civil service, and system maintenance. The system was certified by a patent from the Korean Intellectual Property Office and accredited as an ISO 9001. It was also reviewed and received preliminary comments about its originality, advancement, and business applicability from the Patent Cooperation Treaty. It has been found to enhance the quality of policy decision-making about regional healthcare at the self-governing local government level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PHIS, a Web-based integrated system, has contributed to the improvement of regional healthcare services of Korea. However, when it comes to an appropriate evolution, the needs and changing environments of community-level healthcare service and IT infrastructure should be analyzed properly in advance.
authors: Department of Health Policy and Healthcare Management, Inje Institute of Advanced Studies, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Seewon
authors: S
authors: Ryu
authors: Department of Health Policy and Healthcare Management, Inje Institute of Advanced Studies, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Minsu
authors: M
authors: Park
authors: Department of Emergency and Medical Services, Sunmoon University, Asan, Korea.
authors: Jaegook
authors: J
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Healthcare Management, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Korea.
authors: Sung-Soo
authors: SS
authors: Kim
authors: Korea Health and Welfare Information Service, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Bum Soo
authors: BS
authors: Han
authors: Korea Health and Welfare Information Service, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Kyoung Chun
authors: KC
authors: Mo
authors: Korea Health and Welfare Information Service, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hyung Seok
authors: HS
authors: Lee
keywords: District-Level; Evaluation; Public Health Informatics; Systems Integration