The use of clinical information systems to control cost as well as to improve care.

Clinical resources represent the major items of expense in hospital care. These resources are under the primary control of physicians. For a number of reasons it is difficult to manage these resources in the sense of ensuring their prudent use under all circumstances. Relevant clinical information brought to bear at the time and place of the decisions which allocate these resources can encourage prudent use directly (through reduction in waste) and indirectly (through improving the quality of care).