The Iowa Medical Information Network: a concept

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Networking
• Information Systems in Healthcare

Background:

• Iowa Methodist Medical Center (IMMC) pioneered a hospital/physician system in 1985.
• The MOLI-Link system initially used Annson Systems (IBAX) and migrated to Wallace Computer Services (Wal-Link).

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development and evolution of IMMC's MOLI-Link system.
• To explore IMMC's investigation into wide-area medical information networking.
• To outline the vision for the Iowa Medical Information Network (IMIN).

Main Methods:

• Implementation and enhancement of the MOLI-Link system.
• Investigation into wide-area medical information networking technologies.
• Planning and development strategy for the Iowa Medical Information Network.

Main Results:

• The MOLI-Link system currently supports over 150 physicians across 50 locations.
• IMMC has actively investigated wide-area medical information networking over the past four years.
• The Iowa Medical Information Network (IMIN) is under active investigation for development.

Conclusions:

• IMMC has a long history of developing integrated hospital/physician information systems.
• The evolution from MOLI-Link to the planned IMIN demonstrates a commitment to advancing medical information networking.
• IMIN is envisioned to provide comprehensive information services across a 37-county referral area.