Title: A theoretical framework for health information systems

Authors: Mikko Nenonen, Olli Nylander

Addresses: Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Pikijarventie 1, FIN-18100 Heinola, Finland. National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, STAKES, PO Box 220, FIN-00531 Helsinki, Finland

Abstract: Health information systems have been created by many countries and international organisations during the last ten years. Our personal experiences with these attempts have made us think that it cannot always be taken as guaranteed that even innovative approaches will lead to satisfactory results. The problem seems to be linked to the wish to create a comprehensive system containing many elements. On the other hand, several times even very simple measures that started with collecting data and refining them into indicators have produced only confusion when these indicators have been utilised in healthcare planning and administration both at local and national levels. This paper presents the results of our conceptual and sometimes also philosophical work on this subject. Besides taking a practical and pragmatic approach, we have also tried to clarify the theoretical background, the framework for such a system.

Keywords: information management; communication; knowledge management; healthcare systems; metadata; administration; management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2002.002425

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2002 Vol.4 No.6, pp.467-477

Published online: 17 Jul 2003 *

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