Research archive: Vol. 36 No.3

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Volume 36 Number 3: >> Health Information Systems in Developing Countries

	Principles of health information systems in developing countries Klaus Krickeberg p8 [ pdf ] Abstract The setting of this article is an all-embracing Health Information System (HIS)* of the type that exists mainly in developing and transition countries. It was inspired by work in Vietnam and other places. The article discusses the basic principles on which a well-functioning HIS needs to rest regardless of the technical means employed (paper, electronic devices). Eleven principles for designing or reforming a HIS are identified, including: explicit description of the underlying units (target population) and variables; no list of indicators to be fixed in advance; only one register per target population; technical coordination between registers and reports; correction algorithms; local use of data and indicators; autonomy of health institutions regarding the information that concerns them; and novel use of registers for various studies. Apart from their technical role, these principles give shape to the philosophy that underlies this article, and make clear that a HIS is not only a tool for collecting indicators; it is intimately tied to clinical and preventive practice, as well as to health management and health economy. In fact, it permeates the entire health system. It can potentially play a much more extended, varied, and useful role than simply that of providing health services to a community.
	Evaluation standards for clinical coder training Michelle Bramley and Beth Reid p20 [ pdf ] Abstract This paper reports on an evaluation of clinical coder training programs, recently carried out in Ireland. In building an evaluation framework, the literature was reviewed to identify best practice standards, current practice, and professional opinion against which a sound judgment could be made. The literature was variable but nevertheless useful for the identification of evaluation standards. These standards are reproduced here in order to add to the literature. We also discuss the areas that would benefit from further research, thus contributing to the discourse on best practice in evaluating clinical coder training programs.
	Electronic discharge summaries: the current state of play Janelle Craig, Joanne Callen, Anne Marks, Basema Saddik and Michelle Bramley p30 [ pdf ] Abstract The exchange of health information between acute care providers (e.g. hospitals) and primary care providers (e.g. general practitioners) has traditionally been via hard copy discharge summaries. In recent years the advent of sophisticated information and communication technology has fuelled developments in electronic discharge referral systems (eDRS), which are credited with enabling more timely and accurate information exchange, enhancing patient care, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. The aim of this paper is to highlight key issues regarding the development and implementation of electronic discharge referral systems. A detailed literature review of information related to electronic discharge summaries was undertaken for publications between 1992 and 2006. While eDRS appear to be beneficial, further improvements are needed before systems are dependable. Through prospective enhancements and increased availability of eDRS internationally, electronic discharge referral systems have the potential to facilitate effective communication exchange across the primary-secondary care interface.