Assessing the impact of community health information networks: a multisite field study of the Wisconsin Health Information Network

• Published in: Topics in health information management Vol. 18; no. 2; p. 64
• Main Authors: Lassila, K S, Pemble, K R, DuPont, L A, Cheng, R H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.1997
• Subjects: Community Networks - economics; Community Networks - organization & administration; Computer Communication Networks - economics; Computer Communication Networks - organization & administration; Computer Communication Networks - standards; Cost Savings; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - organization & administration; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Information Systems - economics; Information Systems - organization & administration; Information Systems - standards; Interinstitutional Relations; Interviews as Topic; Managed Care Programs - organization & administration; Wisconsin; Wisconsin
• ISSN: 1065-0989

Community health information networks (CHINs) have emerged as a promising new technology to generate cost reductions and support change in the health care industry. The proliferation of CHINs has been thwarted, however, by a conspicuous lack of evidence to support the claims of enhanced efficiency and effectiveness from CHIN participation. A recent study of the Wisconsin Health Information Network, the nation's first fully functioning CHIN, documents the benefits of this emerging technology. The findings reveal the potential for significant cost savings via electronic transmission of patient clinical and administrative information as well as enhancement of the quality of patient care.