Information systems for community health: are we addressing the right strategy?

Computerised information systems for community health services have evolved with advances in information technology (IT) in Australia and overseas. However, there is evidence from other sectors for the need to distinguish between an information systems (IS) strategy and an IT strategy. This paper uses case studies of computerised information systems developed in New South Wales to identify issues that lead to success and failure. These issues show that many of the shortcomings can be attributed to a poor IS strategy. The paper discusses the shortcomings of an IT-driven strategy. It argues that an IS strategy needs to be congruent with the organisational strategy for community health and that the system design should satisfy the information needs of service personnel if the information is to be used.