Information systems for IDSs: meeting the challenges.

Integrated delivery systems (IDSs) face many challenges in implementing information systems. An IDS's senior management staff can meet these challenges by choosing the right information systems design team and ensuring that information systems staff have sufficient training and expertise to successfully assemble the needed information systems capabilities. To effectively fulfill its role, the information systems design team needs to understand the IDS's managed care strategy, know the level of information systems functionality required, obtain components from a limited number of vendors while using technology that integrates disparate components, build or enhance communication networks, consolidate where possible, and be willing to adopt new tools.