Healthc Inform Res.  2013 Dec;19(4):314-323. 10.4258/hir.2013.19.4.314.

Web-Based Integrated Public Healthcare Information System of Korea: Development and Performance

• Ryu S
• Park M
• Lee J
• Kim SS
• Han BS
• Mo KC
• Lee HS

• KMID: 2229508
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2013.19.4.314

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The Web-based integrated public healthcare information system (PHIS) of Korea was planned and developed from 2005 to 2010, and it is being used in 3,501 regional health organizations. This paper introduces and discusses development and performance of the system.
METHODS
We reviewed and examined documents about the development process and performance of the newly integrated PHIS. The resources we analyzed the national plan for public healthcare, information strategy for PHIS, usage and performance reports of the system.
RESULTS
The integrated PHIS included 19 functional business areas, 47 detailed health programs, and 48 inter-organizational tasks. The new PHIS improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the business process and inter-organizational business, and enhanced user satisfaction. Economic benefits were obtained from five categories: labor, health education and monitoring, clinical information management, administration and civil service, and system maintenance. The system was certified by a patent from the Korean Intellectual Property Office and accredited as an ISO 9001. It was also reviewed and received preliminary comments about its originality, advancement, and business applicability from the Patent Cooperation Treaty. It has been found to enhance the quality of policy decision-making about regional healthcare at the self-governing local government level.
CONCLUSIONS
PHIS, a Web-based integrated system, has contributed to the improvement of regional healthcare services of Korea. However, when it comes to an appropriate evolution, the needs and changing environments of community-level healthcare service and IT infrastructure should be analyzed properly in advance.

Keyword

Public Health Informatics; Systems Integration; Evaluation; District-Level

MeSH Terms

Commerce
Delivery of Health Care*
Health Education
Information Management
Information Systems*
Intellectual Property
International Cooperation
Korea*
Local Government
Public Health Informatics
Systems Integration