A theoretical framework for health information systems

Health information systems have been created by many countries and international organisations during the last ten years. Our personal experiences with these attempts have made us think that it cannot always be taken as guaranteed that even innovative approaches will lead to satisfactory results. The problem seems to be linked to the wish to create a comprehensive system containing many elements. On the other hand, several times even very simple measures that started with collecting data and refining them into indicators have produced only confusion when these indicators have been utilised in healthcare planning and administration both at local and national levels. This paper presents the results of our conceptual and sometimes also philosophical work on this subject. Besides taking a practical and pragmatic approach, we have also tried to clarify the theoretical background, the framework for such a system.