Abstract:

In the information age there are many electronic process and information systems in the healthcare arena which allow for widespread access, awareness and use of Health Information Systems. However, even with the availability of these systems and technology, it is not always easy to gain access to information at the one point of service or care due to the disparate systems which need to be consulted individually to obtain the complete picture of a patient’s medical history. This paper provides an overview of the current status and challenges facing hospitals and explores a pathway towards further research by identifying challenges that need to be overcome as a first step in achieving an accessible system.