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Methods Inf Med 2003; 42(04): 428-432
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634241
Original article
Schattauer GmbH

Integrating Health Information Systems: A Critical Appraisal

E. Monteiro
1   Dept. of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Publication History

Publication Date:
08 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to critically assess some of the underlying assumptions behind these initiatives and analyze the dominant expressions, forms and mechanisms of integration.

Methods: This paper employs a discourse analysis to elicit the notion of integration of information systems and its consequences for electronic patient record systems.

Results and Conclusions: An alternative strategy is outlined, encouraging a more decentralized, multi-vocal approach acknowledging the productive role of related and duplicated information and preserving the existing variety of information systems.

Keywords

Health information systems - integration - electronic patient records systems - business process re-engineering (BPR)
 

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