Information systems methodology for building theory in health informatics: the argument for a structured approach to case study research

The health care environment is frequently described as hyperturbulent and information intensive. However, is the health care systems environment significantly different from the information systems environment in other industries? Are the methodologies and frameworks developed within the context of information systems research applicable to health informatics? The paper compares and contrasts the disciplines of information systems and health informatics, including their conceptual foundations and research foci to investigate the appropriateness of information systems theory and methodologies for the discipline of health informatics. The author endorses the structured-case methodological framework for health care information systems research that goes beyond description to build theory. The intent of the structured-case is to provide a mechanism to produce high quality case study research to gain deep knowledge and understanding about the organizational issues of information systems and their relationship to performance and outcomes.