The strategic planning of health management information systems

Abstract

This paper discusses the roles and functions of strategic planning of informationsystems in health services. It selects four specialised methodologies of strategicplanning for analysis with respect to their applicability in the health field. It thenexamines the utilisation of information planning in case studies of three healthorganisations (two State departments of health and community services and oneacute care institution). Issues arising from the analysis concern the planning process,the use to which plans are put, and implications for management.