Management Information Systems: A Required Tool for Survival

Abstract

Home health care delivery systems face many challenges in today's cost conscious, competitive and managed care environment. As managed care arrangements become more prominent, information technology plays a crucial role in the management of patient care. The service provision of home care providers is being transformed by electronic patient records, information and decision support systems, integrated delivery networks, and Telemedicine. Information technology provides the means to manage the cost, quality, and accessibility of patients' care. Service provision is then able to be managed within the confines of the managed care contract.