Integrated information systems for human services: a conceptual framework, methodology and technology

ABSTRACT A conceptual framework and methodology to design and implement clinical information systems to support direct practice is described. This article presents an analysis of the information needs of clinicians in human service organizations. Three main uses of information are identified: monitoring/tracking, communicating/ reporting and learning from experience. In order to meet these needs, practitioners have to gather informatioEs store it and process it. The article demonstrates the methodology and conceptual framework with a series of examples of applications.