Successfully integrating information systems into healthcare

Many hospital managers are currently looking at implementing hospital information systems (HIS) for the first time, or planning replacement of their first HIS. This article is intended as a resume of 'best practice' in terms of how to approach the selection and implementation of an integrated HIS--a "Do's and Don'ts Guide" for hospital managers. Emphasis is placed on the importance of management assuming overall responsibility for the HIS as a vital communications tool to support the provision of healthcare. Since the HIS underpins the 'business aims' of the institution, these need to be clearly defined at the outset. How to evaluate the benefits of an HIS supplier and aspects such as encouraging an atmosphere of ownership of the HIS by all staff are reviewed in the article.