Hospital Information Systems: A Review in Perspective

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Information Systems Engineering
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Exponential growth in healthcare data volume, content, and user distribution necessitates system evolution.
• Current Health Information Systems (HIS) largely rely on 1970s designs, inadequate for modern demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a paradigm shift in HIS from paper-based to patient-centered electronic systems.
• To outline the requirements for next-generation HIS, emphasizing integration and boundary-free data flow.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing HIS limitations.
• Proposal for integrating current functionalities with new features and computer-based patient records.
• Defining requirements for seamless data collection and connectivity across all care locations.

Main Results:

• Current HIS are insufficient to meet escalating healthcare information demands.
• A patient-focused, electronic system merger is proposed, integrating existing and new functionalities.
• Future HIS must enable boundary-free data collection and seamless connectivity among care providers.

Conclusions:

• A fundamental redesign of HIS is imperative, moving beyond 1970s technology.
• The future of healthcare information systems lies in integrated, electronic, patient-centric platforms.
• Achieving seamless, boundary-free healthcare information exchange requires significant technological advancement and system redesign.