Developing a health informatics policy for South Africa

In a developing country, is it possible to produce a comprehensive national policy for health informatics in a rational and democratic way? This report argues that it is--if close attention is paid to the process of policy development. Although we have recently started our journey down this road, it is possible to draw useful conclusions. With sufficient funding to cover meeting costs and a supportive environment, such a project has a good chance of succeeding. The process should involve key stakeholders; agreement on definitions, purpose and scope should be obtained early. The policy should contain a strategy for implementation, measurable goals, plans for training and long term maintenance, and specifications for regular review. Health information systems should not be promoted as panaceas. Debates arising from the policy development process should promote realistic expectations shared by policy makers, system implementers, and managers. The process itself has significant benefits for the participants who both learn and establish networks with other people. Although developing countries depend on aid from international agencies, unexpected management problems may arise.