Title: Improve processes on healthcare: current issues and future trends

Authors: Jason C.H. Chen, Matt Dolan, Binshan Lin

Addresses: School of Business Administration, Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone, Spokane, WA 99258, USA. ' School of Business Administration, Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone, Spokane, WA 99258, USA. ' College of Business Administration, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA

Abstract: Information Technology (IT) is a critical resource for improving today|s business competitiveness. However, many healthcare providers do not proactively manage or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their services with IT. Survival in a competitive business environment demands continuous improvements in quality and service, while rigorously maintaining core values. Electronic commerce continues its development, gaining ground as the preferred means of business transactions. Embracing e-healthcare and treating IT as a strategic tool to improve patient safety and the quality of care enables healthcare professionals to benefit from technology formerly used only for management purposes. Numerous improvement initiatives, introduced by both the federal government and the private sector, seek to better the status quo in IT. This paper examines the current IT climate using an enhanced ||Built to Last|| model, and comments on future IT strategies within the healthcare industry.

Keywords: healthcare; information technology; management information systems; MIS; e-healthcare; electronic way; electronic healthcare; patient safety; quality of care; IT strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2004.005862

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2004 Vol.1 No.2, pp.149 - 164

Published online: 23 Dec 2004 *

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