BMJ  2004;328:1146-1147 (15 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7449.1146

Editorial

Beyond the gadgets

Non-technological barriers to information systems need to be overcome too

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Someone once said that the only person who welcomes change is a wet baby. To be most comfortable with the status quo, unless it is inflicting discomfort, seems to be part of the human make up. Probably every doctor has experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed with medical information, whether about a patient or with the ever increasing amount of information in the literature. Most doctors have recognised that integrating information systems into their clinical practice is not just a good idea but has become mandatory. Yet, major issues need to be overcome—not just technological ones—which if not considered for a new information system will lead to a "system failure" (box 1). It would be wonderful if we could create the new electronic medical environment with a "big bang" and avoid all of the issues outlined. Unfortunately that is not possible. The first requirement is to become comfortable and assured . . . [Full text of this article]

Nancy M Lorenzi, professor of biomedical informatics

Informatics Center, Eskind Biomedical Library, 2209 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-8340, USA (nancy.lorenzi@vanderbilt.edu)


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