Healthcare information systems: creating the competitive edge.

Recent surveys of information systems in healthcare organizations indicate they are, in many cases, inadequate to meet today's needs. Management has significant concerns related to the investments in these systems versus the benefits received. These systems' ability to support healthcare institutions in an even more competitive future environment is a major question. Therefore, the institution that recognizes the current shortcomings in its system and begins now to develop both short- and long-term approaches to dealing with them will have the competitive edge.