Evaluation of Different Hospital Information Systems Software to Meet the Self-Care Management Informational Needs of Patients

Hospital information system may offer a way to increased self-care management. The aim of this study was to determine the patients’ informational needs for self-care management and evaluation of different HIS software according to these needs. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done during 2011-2012 in Kashan City, Iran at two phases; compiling the required information, and evaluation. The questionnaire items were discussed in three conversation sessions with 20 faculty members by Delphi technique. 15 HIS software provider companies in Iran were selected purposefully and 2 hospitals from each company were participated in the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using Chi-square test. 7 items in the health protection dimension were covered by HIS software; “Need to consult with attending physicians”, “Length of disease duration”, “Diagnostic and treatment cost resource”, “Different treatment approach”, “Convenient information recourses”, “Offer good information resources”, and “Prognosis”. No item of health promotion dimension were supported by any HIS software. 6 items in the health maintenance dimension were covered completely by all HIS software; “Blood Sugar”, “hct”, “hb”, “Blood Group Type”, “CBC/Diff”, and “Electrolytes”. Present HIS software can not meet the self-care management informational needs of recently discharged patients and should be improved.