Information Governance in Heath Sector

Like other areas, the UK Department of Health introduced Information Governance (IG) in health sector. Information is a strategic resource for health care organizations that they should provide the infrastructures for its applications in improving the quality of care. In current study, the fundamental concepts of IG are reviewed as an inevitable necessity in health sector.

In this review study, 37 full-text articles and reports were extracted from Science direct, Scirus, and Pub med databases and also, journal of American Health Information Management Association and Google scholar search engine using specific and relevant keywords. Criteria for selecting of articles and reports were based on their association to study and without time limit. After careful study of findings, they were arranged according to the aims of study.

IG is a mechanism for accountability and applicability of health information that must be supported by appropriate management services. After the UK's National Health Service (NHS), American Records Management Association (ARMA) introduced the Information Governance Reference Model (IGRM), which represents key criteria of IG. For establishing of IG, we should have a strategic planning and steering group to determine the IG’s vision, mission, goals and time bounding. Also with considering the dimensions of IG in the format of HORUS, establishing of standards, arbitration, indemnity, and regulation, and constructing of executive policies at the national and local levels; we can govern the IG for decision making at all levels of management and treatment in the health sector.

Relying on quality information of IG can enhance the value of decisions. However, health care organizations must provide the platform required for successful design and implementation of the IG. That needs to change the organizational culture, accountability for producing of qualified information, infrastructures, and necessary training.