Good health information – an asset not a burden!
Ralph M. HansonThe Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. Email: ralphh@chw.edu.au
Australian Health Review 35(1) 9-13 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH09865
Submitted: 16 December 2009 Accepted: 23 June 2010 Published: 25 February 2011
Journal Compilation © AHHA 2011
Abstract
Good health information is central to informing the delivery of health care. Health has mostly struggled to promote the effective use of information to manage services on a day to day basis. Based on the experience at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, a case is made for seeing information as an asset that requires a structured approach to improving data quality, and making a concerted effort to grow a more robust information culture. Transforming Health through better health information will not happen overnight. It needs a long range plan. It should be supported by appropriate business intelligence tools and a structured approach to process improvement, built around data management.
What is known about the topic? Good Health Information is central to informing the delivery of health care. Health has mostly struggled to promote the effective use of information to manage services on a day to day basis.
What does this paper add? A case is made for seeing information as an asset that requires a structured approach to improving data quality and a concerted effort to grow a more robust information culture.
What are the implications for practitioners? Health is at a point where far greater use can be made of available information assets and the development of staff. Good health information needs to be seen as an asset. Health facilities need to recognise the importance of a clear vision for information management and how it can support the overall transformation of Health.
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