An Approach to Policy Analysis and Development of Medical Informatics

M. Power

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1634420

Methods of Information in Medicine, Table of Contents

Methods Inf Med 1999; 38(04/05): 260-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634420

Original Article

Schattauer GmbH

An Approach to Policy Analysis and Development of Medical Informatics

M. Power

¹Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

There are three grand challenges for medical informatics policy: (1) What is it? (2) What should it be? (3) How can we influence its development? To address these challenges requires: (1) an historical analysis of medical informatics policies in a representative sample of countries. This should include an account of major events, the roles of technology, individuals, culture and social settings. Pioneers have been led by visions of what medical informatics should achieve. The role of these visions and the reactions to unmet expectations thus also need to be analysed; (2) a generally applicable medical informatics policy that places the needs of its stake-holders and clients first. Top priorities are to support quality health care delivery and quality management of health care facilities; (3) an explanation of how policies in medical informatics are created and implemented together with a strategy to guide medical informatics professionals in their lobbying efforts.

Keywords

Medical Informatics - Health Informatics - Policy

Full Text

References

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