Information technology is a critical factor in the success of strategic planning for health care organizations. If health care organizations are to thrive in the highly competitive health care marketplace, they must invest in and develop their information technology (IT) capabilities.

This thoroughly revised and updated second edition of The Strategic Application of Information Technology in Health Care Organizationsoffers health care executives and managers a balanced analysis of health care information systems. Written by John Glaser-a renowned expert in the field of health care information technology-this important resource shows health care professionals how to use IT to reduce costs, respond to the demands of managed care, develop a continuum of care, and manage and improve the quality of service to patients, payers, and physicians.

The Author

John P. Glaser, Ph.D., is vice president and chief information officer at Partners HealthCare System, Inc. He was the founding chairman of the College of Health Care Information Management Executives (CHIME) and past president of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). He is a winner of the John Gall CIO of the Year Award from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.

Praise for The Strategic Application of Information Technology in Health Care Organizations,Second Edition

"John Glaser has done the field a huge favor. He has produced a streetwise, accessible, and interesting book on a complex subject. Hospital board members and CEOs should read this book carefully before making major investment decisions in information technology." —Jeff Goldsmith, president, Health Futures, Inc.

"Information technology can be used to differentiate a health care organization, but it is particularly compelling when the advances in technology result from a commitment to improve the care processes of the organization. The Strategic Application of Information Technology in Health Care Organizations,Second Edition, describes with clarity an effective way to ensure success in this quest, with specific recommendations and deliverables." — Stephanie L. Reel, chief information officer and vice provost for information technologies, The Johns Hopkins University

"John Glaser's book is a relief in the post-dot-com era. He brings us back to the basic lessons about how to deliver value from IT investments and how IT can fulfill and enhance the strategy of the health care enterprise." — David Brailer, chairman and chief executive officer, CareScience

This second edition of a guide for healthcare executives and managers offers an analysis of healthcare information systems, examining the role of IT in a large provider organization, particularly the integrated delivery system. It shows how healthcare professionals use IT to reduce costs, respond to the demands of managed care, develop a continuum of care, and manage and improve the quality of service to patients, payers, and physicians. Glaser is winner of the John Gall CIO of the Year Award from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"This is a book of exceptionally high quality that is essential in the libraries of healthcare organization leaders." (Doody's Publishing, 5/02)

"John Glaser's book is a relief in the post-dot-com era. He brings us back to the basic lessons about how to deliver value from IT investments and how IT can fulfill and enhance the strategy of the health care enterprise." — David Brailer, chairman and chief executive officer, CareScience

This thoroughly revised and updated second edition of The Strategic Application of Information Technology in Health Care Organizations offers health care executives and managers a balanced analysis of health care information systems. Written by John Glaser-a renowned expert in the field of health care information technology-this important resource shows health care professionals how to use IT to reduce costs, respond to the demands of managed care, develop a continuum of care, and manage and improve the quality of service to patients, payers, and physicians.

John P. Glaser, Ph.D., is vice president and chief information officer at Partners HealthCare System, Inc. He was the founding chairman of the College of Health Care Information Management Executives (CHIME) and past president of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). He is a winner of the John Gall CIO of the Year Award from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.

Tables, Figures, and Exhibits.

Acknowledgments.

About the Author.

Introduction.

1. An Overview of Strategy.

Definition of Strategy.

Competitive Strategy.

The Need-for-IT Strategy.

Characteristics of Strategic Thinking.

Summary.

2. Linkage of IT Strategy to Organizational Strategy.

Strategic Planning Frameworks and Methodologies.

Information Technology as a Competitive Weapon.

Summary.

3. Internal IT Capabilities and Characteristics.

Asset Composition and Overview.

Asset Discussion.

Asset Lessons Learned and Observations.

IT-Centric Organizational Attributes.

The Question of Value.

Factors That Influence Organizational IT Asset Decisions.

Summary.

4. Examples of IT Strategy.

Clinical Information Systems.

Integration of Information Systems.

The Internet.

Summary.

5. Conclusion.

References.

Index.