Management of Information in Integrated Delivery Networks

Healthcare organizations, like all business entities, are information-intensive enterprises. Health personnel require sufficient data and information management tools to make appropriate decisions, both while caring for patients and while managing and running the enterprise, and to document and communicate plans and activities. Clinicians assess patient status, plan patient care, administer appropriate treatments, and educate patients and families regarding clinical management of various conditions. Primary-care physicians and care managers assess the health status of new members of the health plan. Medical directors evaluate the clinical outcomes, quality, and cost of health services provided. Administrators determine appropriate staffing levels, manage inventories of drugs and supplies, and negotiate payment contracts for services. Governing boards make decisions about investing in new business lines, affiliating with other organizations, and eliminating underutilized services. Collectively, healthcare professionals comprise a heterogeneous group with diverse objectives and information requirements.