IT Governance in Healthcare Institutions

Abstract

Governance of information technology (IT) is crucial for the implementation and uptake of eHealth, new communication technologies in the health sector. In a set of case studies and evidence we see that a well defined IT strategy, well implemented, will ensure a more successful use of IT in hospitals. Elements of IT governance are: (i) IT being core to the hospital’s strategy, its relevance and long-term implication are recognised and actively supported by the chief executive level; (ii) IT issues are represented at the board level, with regular revisions on the agenda; (iii) a bridging function links IT and clinical expertise, realised by a chief medical information officer or a steering committee; (iv) user involvement in strategy and implementation is assured by the committee, allowing for ownership and speedy uptake; (v) a good monitoring process and regular revisions will ensure adaptation to strategy and implementation. For the overall success of IT in health care it will be crucial to properly integrate new technology developments, such as mHealth and social networks in both the clinical processes and patients’ daily lives. However, often it is not the technology as such, but a well designed and well implemented business model that will allow IT to bring real improvements in health care to all users, be it providers, funding institutions, professional users or patients.