Title: Systems engineering in the healthcare service industry

Authors: Vincent K. Omachonu, Norman G. Einspruch

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248294, Coral Gables, Florida 33124, USA. ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248581, Coral Gables, Florida 33124, USA

Abstract: Systems engineers have worked in the service and manufacturing sectors for quite some time. The concepts of systems engineering have been applied to problems in every sector of the economy. This paper draws attention to the growing importance and complexity of the healthcare industry, and specifically the role of systems engineering in it. The systems engineering thinking relies on the ability to tap into an extensive and comprehensive data network and resources. While healthcare organisations gather a vast amount of data both manually and electronically, there is an abundance of evidence suggesting that the data, when available, are not pulled together comprehensively. Finally, this paper examines how the concepts of systems engineering can be utilised in conjunction with emerging information technologies in the healthcare industry. Because the issues facing healthcare organisations are complex and multi-functional, the ability to evaluate problems across functions and disciplines is increasingly critical.

Keywords: healthcare technology; systems engineering; healthcare services; information technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2007.012108

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.161-172

Published online: 21 Jan 2007 *

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