The reformation of information technology.

During the last twenty years there have been major changes in European health services in the need for information, technology and the information user. The need for information for management purposes has been highlighted by the shift away from running institutions to providing health care for defined populations, and the diminution in financial growth available to health services. To provide comprehensive care in the current financial climate there is a requirement for relevant and timely information about the patients being treated, the population from which they come and the cost and effectiveness of the treatment being provided. Major changes have occurred in both the software and hardware available for information technology (IT) applications. Modern technology cannot only process statistical data but also acquire, process, store and disseminate vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information. Among applications of interest to health service managers are quantitative data systems, planning systems, text management systems and communications both within the organization and with other organisations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)