Information systems' key role in healthcare change.

Crisis in the US healthcare system, resulting from escalating costs and a large number of uninsured citizens, has caused industry-wide change. Joint ventures and alliances are being forged, and Integrated Healthcare Delivery Systems (IHDS) and Community Health Information Networks (CHINs) are forming. The evolving healthcare delivery system requires shifts in information systems, technology, and resources. New demands on information systems and networking infrastructures to support data exchange between multiple entities will be critical for survival and success.