A strategy for coordination of end-user computing in hospital departments

This paper discusses issues associated with end-user computing and describes an approach for coordination of departmental end-user computing that was implemented at Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia. There are a number of pressures for end-user computing. These include the inability of IS departments to provide the services that users require, the increasing spread of computing skills and the advent of the microcomputer. The traditional approaches to computing are discussed and the concern over security explained. The potential benefits of greater involvement of users in systems development and support is discussed. Information systems development needs to be a collaborative activity. At Concord Hospital, a number of departments have responsibility for their own local minicomputer and microcomputer based systems. Coordination of this systems effort was seen as important in order to maximize the benefits of end-user computing while seeking to minimize duplication of effort, data or systems, or security risks.