Clinical information systems: 25-year history and the future.

Abstract

Clinical information Systems have not advanced rapidly enough to meet the growing needs for clinical data. This is due primarily to the industry's past focus on financial information processing. Pressure is increasing for clinical data to support health-care professionals in the delivery of patient care, and in the establishment and monitoring of quality of care indicators. This article summarizes the history of clinical systems, and presents key issues regarding future clinical information systems.