Information systems for community health: are we addressing the right strategy?

Abstract

Computerised information systems for community health services have evolved withadvances in information technology (IT) in Australia and overseas. However, thereis evidence from other sectors for the need to distinguish between an informationsystems (IS) strategy and an IT strategy. This paper uses case studies of computerisedinformation systems developed in New South Wales to identify issues that lead tosuccess and failure. These issues show that many of the shortcomings can beattributed to a poor IS strategy. The paper discusses the shortcomings of an IT-drivenstrategy. It argues that an IS strategy needs to be congruent with the organisationalstrategy for community health and that the system design should satisfy theinformation needs of service personnel if the information is to be used.