CHINs: information superhighway or unpaved byway?

In all successful systems it is the relationship--both formal and informal--that define how well organizations run and how they create value for their customers. Information systems' real benefit, therefore, is to add value to those relationships. No matter if the original business intent of the system was to speed delivery, cut costs, improve quality or provide integration of services, information systems' value resides in their ability to get the right people (not the computers) to talk to each other more efficiently and effectively. Take this simple premise, apply it to the creation of CHINs and ask, "What relationships matter and how can CHIN participation most effectively enhance those relationships for our medical group?" The answer, combined with the need to deliver high quality, lowest possible cost health care, is the goal of CHINs, as described in this professional paper.