Managing Clinical Care in a Pervasive Computing Environment

Abstract

Behavioral health care is, for the most part, an information-driven activity. In fact, it is possible to view the caregiving transaction as an exchange of information. This chapter discusses technology issues related to the electronic capture, dissemination, and analysis of clinical information. Each of these processes involves a combination of factors, including emerging, but immature, technology. One must consider the shrinking resource base for private practitioners and organized providers, thus limiting the capital needed to invest in technology. Finally, there is a lack of a critical mass of appropriate technology spread throughout the behavioral health industry. Each of these processes represents distinct challenges, in terms of applying information technology.