MIS

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Management Information Systems
Health Service Executive
In Ireland
Lecturer: Dermot Bradfield
Course: BAHACC2
Students: 14373101
14536147
14347371

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Table of Contents:
1. Introduction Pg 3
2. Importance of MIS Pg 4
3. Benefits of MIS Pg 7
4. Challenges and Risks Pg 11
5. Typical Components of MIS Pg 15
6. Future of MIS Pg 19
7. Conclusion Pg 23
8. Bibliography Pg 24
9. Appendage Pg 28

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Introduction
This report will set out the importance of management information systems, the benefits
information systems can bring, the challenges and risks incurred in implementing an
information system, the typical components of information systems and the future
information systems have. These will be discussed in a general overview and then
established in relation to the healthcare system.
Argyris (1991) defines management information systems (MIS) as "a system using
formalized procedures to provide management at all levels in all functions with appropriate
information based on data from both internal and external sources, to enable them to make
timely and effective decisions for planning, directing and controlling the activities for which
they are responsible"
The health sector rely on MIS for the sufficient running of their practices along with different
areas that all require access to a vast ocean of information that adds value and better overall
access to an organisation's information. There are a few different things about information
systems that are essential to obtaining and/or having sufficient management information
systems; these areas will be looked at in detail in this report.
A brief look into the healthcare system:
The Healthcare system has a long history that goes back through time and has, in it,
numerous changes in capability and effectiveness. There have been many advances up to
now in all areas of the health sector, the biggest in management information systems. Within
the last few years there has been a major jump in technology and its potential in improving
healthcare and its entirety. From looking after patient information, scans and test results to
speeding up the processing of them, information systems have enhanced these elements.
That's not to say that improvements and adjustments are needed on the current systems in
use, however no matter how you look at it, what angle you take, it is clear that the healthcare
system needed and avail of the operations on offer to them.

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Importance of Management Information Systems
Information systems are widely used in organisations today, they are extremely important as
they add to the overall success of said organisations. Here are some examples of how
management information systems are important in organisations:
Communication
Communication is a means of interchanging information; it is a vital ingredient for an
organisation to work efficiently. There are many methods in which a business can
communicate with each other, these include email, instant messaging, social media, video
messaging such as Skype and Facetime and many more. An organisation can also
communicate solely with each other through an intranet. Intranet is defined as an “internal or
private network of an organisation based on internet technology. An intranet is meant for the
exclusive use of the organisation” (Business Dictionary, 2015).
Communication is what binds an organisation together and without it an organisation would
cease to exist. By communicating effectively through networks that were previously
mentioned an organisation can do things such as connect with suppliers, create new
business plans, hire the right person for that particular organisation, the list is endless.

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Communication through management information systems is extremely important in the
healthcare sector. It is vital that there is a good element of communication between doctors
and patients as miscommunication is a large problem in this sector. Communication through
information systems has also greatly reduced paperwork and can give files and documents
restricted access. This means only certain individuals can view and access files.
Confidentiality is a key element in the health sector as only the people who need to indulge
in patient files are the ones who can.
Operations Management
Operations management can be defined as the administration of business practices to
create a high level of efficiency within that organisation. It is concerned with converting raw
materials and labour into goods and services in the most efficient way possible, so that the
organisation can maximise its profit (Investopedia, 2015). Management information systems
are used widely in organisations in relation to operations. They are essential for an
organization's operations to create and produce good products and services, therefore
operations can be properly managed with the use of management information systems.
Examples of this would include managing orders, showing stock levels, placing orders,
recording data for patients files etc. these are all parts of operations management which can
be incorporated into an organisation through the use of management information systems.
Operations management in the healthcare system is very different to an organisation that
produces a product whereas the healthcare system provides a service. It is important for
data to be kept and stored in a secure place within this system. Data such as patient’s
medical files would be a good example, by storing this data on Information systems it can
improve the quality of operations in ways such as reducing the time searching for files,
makes them easily accessible and provides more security for these files.
Decision Making
Management information systems are important because they aid in the decision making
process. Decision making is at the heart of every organisation, this is why it is important for
an organisation to have the right information at the right time so they can interpret and
process it to make an educated and well informed decision. The decision making process is
all about managers weighing up the pros and cons of every outcome and from this selecting
the most logical path of action out of the options and carrying out the tasks to achieve it.
When you have factual, up-to-date information you can make more informed decisions as
you know you have weighed up the options and selected the best possible path
(smallbusiness.chron.com).
If the information is not accurate or insufficient it can result in a manager making a seriously
bad decision which can affect the whole organisation and result in the organisation not
meeting its goals or objectives (ehow.com).
In relation to the healthcare system decision making is very important. In health care the
outcome can be life or death, if a doctor makes the wrong decision due to insufficient
information it can have detrimental outcomes. However if doctors and nurses have the
availability of accurate, up-to-date information they can make better informed decisions and
therefore provide better healthcare for their patient.
Efficiency

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Management information systems are also important for improving efficiency. If the
organisation's information systems are not efficient it can have an impact on the productivity
and performance of the organisation. If members of the organisation have to constantly fill in
gaps or look for misled information they are wasting time that can be spent on another job
that is more productive. This is why organisations need to invest in MIS as a good document
system that is well kept with the appropriate information can hugely benefit the organisation
as it can enhance the process of information retrieval (blue avenue associates).
In relation to the healthcare system efficiency of information systems is essential. If records
of a patient's healthcare are misfiled or worst lost this greatly hampers the level of care the
patient will receive as they can be wrongly diagnosed or put on the wrong treatment plan. In
some cases the lack of efficiency in information systems can result in a patient going under
the radar which can have huge repercussions as they may be suffering from an underlined
illness but because the records are insufficient this patient may not be treated quickly
enough.
Records
Records are a main key to management information systems for a variety of reasons. They
hold important information for an organisation such as personal data of all employees, this
data is helpful “and in most cases data must be standardised” (Editorial Overview—The Role
of Information Systems in Healthcare: Current Research and Future Trends, 2011) e.g. if an
organisation needs to know that there is an employee with a specific qualification, through
standardised systems it is easy for them to find what they are looking for without any
problems. This also means that an organisation has ample access to information on
employees such as contact information, work absenteeism, characteristic estimates,
possible disciplinary action etc. Records also store scanned documents on any other
possible useful information for the organisation or sector.
In the medical sector records are essential to the efficient running of the health system. They
are needed for everything from doctors’ appointments and test results to effective/new
prescription drugs. In every walk of the medical industry records appear for varying reasons
as they differ in necessity, urgency and requirement. “However use alone does not make
acceptable quality data” (Staines et al., 2001), in this regard not everything is relevant and/or
important the most important thing is knowing what is needed and what is excessive. What is
meant by this is that there is no point in having a patient’s favourite colour but having their
blood type or allergies would be useful useable information.
Future Planning
Future planning is another important part of information systems. It is possible because of
the storage of Intel that is relevant to an organisations running, through the use of this
network of data and material organisations can plan for the future by looking at shifts and
changes in areas of the industry and change or fix things that could help improve its future.
When it comes to future planning storage is a key element. Records are a major part to this
process as they help the employees to understand where they are going and also where
they have been in order to decide what should happen next in the timeline of an
organisation. History is a tremendous tool in the future stability of an industry such as that of
the health care system.

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Seeing as medicine is always changing and advancing it is non-negotiable that future
planning is required as a way to prepare for the constant growth, change and adaptation that
come with it, making it the hardest future to plan for with new clinical trials always a
possibility and new processes and procedures as well. Therefore the only thing that can be
done is for future planning to be drawn up and then be adjusted along with the never ending
modifications and transformations that are expected to occur as time goes on and new
people enter this ever growing industry.
Benefits an information system can bring
Management information systems can be very beneficial to organisations if they are utilised
properly and can help in a multitude of areas within organisations and/or sectors. These
benefits include:
Real-Time Information
Real-time information is the process of immediately updating data as it occurs and storing it
in one integrated system. This is beneficial to organisations as all departments will be
updated with relevant current information at the same time (www.eventura.com).
Real-time information is very advantageous to an organisation and can give them a
competitive advantage as the data is instantly available to the right people who can make
better informed decisions at a swifter pace. It also gives them an advantage because
different departments don't have to regather the information. (www.reliableplant.com)
In relation to the healthcare system, information should be recorded immediately after it
occurs, whether that is a patient's personal details, medical history, treatment plan or their
results from tests etc. This information is readily available to doctors and nurses and can be
used to identify the patient when they are re-admitted to the hospital again. Failure to make
these recordings can have major, or worse fatal, consequences. (Improving Data Quality: A
Guide for Developing Countries: World Health Organization)
Real-time information does not only apply to data in one hospital it applies to data gathered
from numerous healthcare providers all over the world; therefore healthcare systems can
adapt if there is a potential health risk or issue, for example, if there was a flu epidemic. With
their up-to-date information gathered from all over the world hospitals will have been able to
predict this occurrence and can therefore respond almost instantly to this epidemic as they
will have the necessary drugs in the hospital to fight it. Another example would be if an

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individual became ill while on a foreign holiday, the place where they seek treatment should
have access to their medical history in order to make an informed decision on an effective
course of treatment.
Real-time information will also be beneficial to hospitals as it can provide them with up-to-
date information on things such as how many hospital beds are available and what
medication they have on the premises so they know in advance when to order more stock
in.
Real-time information ties in with decision support systems (DSS) and knowledge
management systems (KMS). A DSS is a system that improves a person's ability to make a
better decision based on the relevant information gathered such as hospital reports or a
patient's medical history. It links with KMS because it facilitates the sharing of information,
internal knowledge and expertise within a company and makes it available to all departments
in order to improve decision making. The benefits for real-time information are vast because
after all the outcome can be life or death so reliable real time information is essential.
Collaboration
Collaboration is a benefit of management information systems but more specifically it is a
benefit of KMS. Collaboration is when people or departments work together to achieve a
shared goal and KMS facilitates this process. Organisations use collaboration when all
different departments share their knowledge and expertise with each other to improve
productivity in the organisation. Collaboration enhances the benefits of real time information.
Collaboration is beneficial in the health sector because they can use collaborative care
which can reduce readmissions, improve the quality of care and reduce costs. Collaborative
care is when doctors, nurses and clinical social workers work alongside patients and their
families to improve the standard of care given to the patient. Collaborative care is great
because it is patient centred and patients can receive their healthcare in the comforts of their
home.
Collaborative care is very advantageous to the elderly people as they are susceptible to
infections and find it harder to fight them off so it is better to care for them at home rather
than in a hospital where they are more likely to come into contact with infections and various
bugs. Through everyone collaborating on the patient's health care it can significantly reduce
the risk of clinical error as there are many health providers who can consult with each other
and make better informed decisions about the patient's’ treatment. Collaborative care is very
much a cost effective method as it is more efficient and it is exploiting the opportunities a
management information systems can bring (wrha.mb.ca).
Productivity
When the productivity level of an organisation is put up against its information system there
is a pretty clear link between the two as they have a positive effect on one another. The use
of information systems in the work environment allow for many types of them to be
“interconnected to allow for information sharing” (Referenceforbusiness.com, 2015), this
helps with the productivity of an organisation as it allows employees and people involved
access to the same information as it appears rather than different versions of the same
document that could have been changed or altered each time it was looked at. Therefore

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productivity is sped up and processes are improved along with the number of knowledgeable
workers in an organisation which are major benefits to the organisation.
In the HSE productivity is of major importance, it relates to the rate at which patients are
seen and the timeline for tests ordered. There is a movement within the HSE that is called
the productive ward, the “Productive Ward aims to empower ‘frontline’ staff to drive forward
improvements in health services through redesigning and streamlining the way staff and
services deliver care with an emphasis on patient safety” (Hse.ie, 2015). If this is a success
it will revolutionise the way in which patients are treated and dealt with, increasing the
productivity in a way that the management information systems will benefit from it.
Customer service - Reduced unnecessary tests
Customer services with regards to management information systems carry with them many
benefits with which help the organisation to thrive by gathering data and using it. “These
systems should provide a complete record of information needed to provide services to a
customer” (Anon, 2015), if done in the proper manner it can help with the way customers are
dealt with while taking into consideration how they feel and view the organisation as a whole,
as well as increasing efficiency. This data can be gathered by many methods such as
surveys, feedback, face-to-face and of course complaints, though considered a big problem
can help to isolate and target on specific issues that tend to arise.
With reference to the healthcare system customer service is crucial to it. In order to help
customers in this sector one of the main problems are unnecessary tests or repeat tests for
different doctors. By reducing these small things they can in turn have an effect on the
satisfaction level and diagnosis time of a patient. This can only be achieved if there are
better information systems for patients and the services provided to them while taking into
account their current positions.
Better follow-up and follow-through would be an advantage associated with reducing
unnecessary tests and making this a major benefit in information systems; if they were given
the time and attention needed, especially in the healthcare system. In order to effectively
keep track of all patients, keeping “records of critical data such as laboratory tests and
medication, and provide continual updates about treatment status” (Fraser et al., 2007) can
help while also updating an information system so that all medical practitioners have access
to the same information and can also have access to a clear history of the patient before
they were in their care.
This would help with better follow-up and better follow-through as there would not be useless
or out of date information hence making it easier to keep track of patient’s progress.
Decision support systems (DSS) can also help in this area as they can provide information
on non-routine decision making using independent cases or studies in order to reach a plan,
idea or conclusion on a matter that has or could arise to a specific person or issue.
Innovation
Innovation is coming up with a new unique idea that can either be a product or a service
designed to fill the needs of customers. The healthcare system can benefit greatly from
innovative ideas. It can be seen in today’s world that there is a constant increase in the

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creation of new medicines and machinery that will be of benefit to the healthcare system. It
is an area that has no limitations as the possibilities are endless.
The main issue that require an innovative solution is how treatment is delivered to the
patients. This is often ineffective, inefficient and unfriendly making the whole experience of
the healthcare system unpleasant, this is believed to be the reason why so many individuals
tend to avoid seeking treatment if they deem it avoidable. This problem can easily be
resolved with the help of new innovative ideas, changing the methods and process currently
used. The healthcare system would benefit from innovative adjustments as they improve the
patient's overall care and experience.
To improve the information systems in the healthcare sector and to aid innovation KMS
(Knowledge Management Systems) can be used. “Knowledge management enable
organisations to better manage processes for capturing and applying knowledge and
expertise.” (C. Laudon and P. Laudon, 2014). This is a suitable approach because when
new innovative ideas are created they can be shared throughout the departments and all
associating areas of the HSE which in turn will benefit all patients and healthcare providers.
Accuracy and Quality of Patient Care
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is defined as a “strategy for managing all your
company’s relationships and interactions with your customers and potential customers. It
helps improve your profitability.” (Introduction to CRM, 2015). Customer relationship
management is a great tool as it benefits the quality of patient care. Through the healthcare
system engaging with its patients, customer relationship management can improve customer
satisfaction.
As CRM is managing relationships with patients it is important that certain standards are met
within the healthcare system. According to the National Standards for Safer Better
Healthcare, there are particular standards that should be met.
The standards are as follows:
● You are treated kindly, respectively and with great consideration when being treated
by the healthcare system.
● If you need to contact someone within the healthcare system, your enquiry will be
dealt with in a timely fashion.
● When healthcare is being provided to you, you are given information that is clear,
honest and is mindful of your privacy.
● Finally your preferences and views are considered and are taken into account when
your care is planned.
(Health, Information and Quality Authority, 2015)
As all these standards are met within the system it can benefit the accuracy and quality of
patient care as it promotes assurance for its patients and reveals the customers satisfaction.

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Reducing Risks and Errors
Risks and errors can be a huge disruption within an organisation. By implementing
Information Systems these risks and errors can be reduced drastically. It is essential that
risks and errors are kept to a minimum within the healthcare system as they can have major
implications. Decision Support Systems (DSS) can help towards reducing risks and errors
within an organisation. This type of system can create ‘what if’ scenarios and can support
middle management in the decision making process.
In the healthcare sector major decisions need to be made on a day to day basis. This
system can undermine errors as it is thinking ahead by creating scenarios which may or may
not occur in the future. This can in turn prevent mistakes such as medicine errors, surgical
errors, system failures and many more. DSS promotes a safer system and environment
within the workplace.
Advantages vs disadvantages:
There are many advantages which are outlined above; there are also disadvantages that
must be taken into account when looking at MIS. While the advantages are great and MIS
can help an organisation in a variety of ways the disadvantages also must be considered.
One of the main problems that must be investigated is the learning curve for the system and
how to operate it effectively. This is an issue as it can change from person to person which
can allow for human error and make the system redundant. Therefore it is difficult to
ascertain if information systems are a worthy investment of time of resources.
The disadvantages are discussed below in more detail in the form of challenges and risks.
Challenges and Risks
Even though information systems are very important to companies and can be of great
benefit to the organisation they pose many challenges and risks in the implementation
process. These challenges and risks include:
Personnel Issues

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Personnel issues are about the problems surrounding each individual involved in the
organisation; for instance, in the healthcare sector the individuals will be the doctors, nurses
and the other health care providers. These are a major challenge in relation to the
implementation process because if the staff in the hospital are not fully trained on how to use
these information systems or what to do with the information generated, the information
systems are simply a waste of time which could be spent on more productive tasks and they
are very costly to the organisation. Personnel issues include resistance to change, staff skills
and availability and individual expertise and training (Kornkaew, 2012).
Resistance to change: This is a big challenge and risk in the implementation process as
resistance to change all boils down to fear of the unknown. Some people fear the
improvement in technology as they are not tech savvy and they don’t like asking for help. It
could be fear of losing their job to these new technology improvements as they will no longer
be needed if the information systems process can do their job for them or fear of
unfamiliarity. If the staff aren’t familiar with technology systems they don't have great trust in
them and therefore tend to stay clear of them rather than embrace the advantages they bring
(Kornkaew, 2012).
Staff Skills and Availability: Finding staff that have the necessary skills and expertise is a
common challenge organisations face. Finding staff with previous experience in information
systems can prove very difficult and it is even harder to retain these members of staff. Staff
availability is often a big problem in smaller hospitals which results in one member of staff
fulfilling several jobs. Staff in small hospitals may also rotate positions therefore it will delay
and greatly hinder the implementation process of information systems.
For example in hospitals there is a huge lack of IT staff. The IT staff within any hospital is
usually nurses or doctors who have several other duties and responsibilities and therefore
this prevents them from fully engaging in the implementation process which is a huge
drawback. Apart from IT staff the users of the health information systems may only work
part-time or rotate positions as stated before, therefore they don't spend enough time
engaging with the system and learning how to use it to its fullest potential. This in turn
creates the challenge of staff fully understanding how to use the IT systems and may
hamper the implementation of said IT systems (Overcoming Challenges to Health IT
Adoption in Small, Rural Hospitals, 2011).
Individual expertise and training:
With individual expertise come limitations, such as restrictions in doctor’s ability to
communicate. Some doctors find it difficult to record data in a clear and concise manner and
don't understand the need to have completed paperwork of patients who have been
discharged; they feel their time will be better spent on other tasks that are more fulfilling.
This results in patient’s files being incomplete and inaccurate and at times doctors will use
unauthorized abbreviations to get their paperwork done. This lack of training with doctors
and medical staff in the documentation requirements of patient’s files is a major challenge in
the implementation of information systems.
Another limitation would be the limited education of processing staff. When the patients’
medical records are being processed they require the processing staff to be highly trained
and equipped with the system and to understand how important the exactness and
completeness of these records are so they can be used efficiently and effectively. Also
doctors need to be educated on how important it is to have the patients care records filled

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out accurately and at the time of collection so they can be used to make better informed
decisions (Improving Data Quality: A Guide for Developing Countries, : World Health
Organization).
Another limitation would be how to integrate technology into the workflow. One of the
greatest challenges for hospitals in implementing a new information system would be how
the doctors and nurses would integrate this into their workload. Clinical staff would still have
to do their jobs while trying their best to engage with the new technology as often as possible
as they will soon realise it is not a seamless transition from paperwork to computerized
documentation. Staff must be willing to co-operate with these changes in order to use the
new information systems to their maximum capacities. During the early stages of the
implementation process hospitals may try their best to ease the patient turnover rate so the
staff can get to grips with the new system and spend more time honing their IT skills. The
hospital may start off teaching basic modules so the staff can get used to the system and it
will become a gradual and easier movement into the technology age (Overcoming
Challenges to Health IT Adoption in Small, Rural Hospitals, 2011).
Invest in training:
Most organisations employees lack in the education of information systems and therefore
the company has to invest in training. Companies then rely on external sources to come in
and train their employees in using the new technology. However these external sources only
introduce the basics and some companies find it insufficient for their needs. These basics
may be taught at too high a level for beginners and don't show employees how to integrate it
into their workflow. When the training is over companies sometimes have to provide
supplementary training as employees may have more specific questions about things that
the basic training never covered. This in turn costs the company even more for the
supplementary training and it is also quite time consuming which makes it harder to
implement the new information systems and prevents the employees from integrating it into
their normal duties and responsibilities.
There are ways to overcome this challenge, for example, in a hospital if employees are
finding it hard to get to grips with the new technology they can reach out to other hospitals
and together they can develop a user manual that deals with specific processes and
questions about health information systems and this way the implementation process
becomes easier and employees always have a manual to consult until they get fully
equipped with the new information system (Overcoming Challenges to Health IT Adoption in
Small, Rural Hospitals, 2011).
Technical problems (technical systems Issues):
“Technical systems issues are mainly those referring to the hardware and software
considerations of information technologies” (Diva-portal.org, 2015). The software of an
information system can be affected by many things such as viruses, an error in coding or just
compatibility. When an information system is being implemented some things need to be
considered as risks or challenges, for example: the existing systems and what will happen
with them, how the standardisation of the information and its format will change along with its
overall compatibility (Diva-portal.org, 2015).

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Any kind of technical issue can cause a problem within the whole system which can make it
difficult to find and sort said problem. A bug can be a small error in a line of coding; however
a world of chaos can arise as a result of it making it difficult to pinpoint the actual problem.
If a virus gets into the information system it can be challenging to fix. They are designed to
attack and cause problems while being difficult to find and, depending on the severity, time
consuming to destroy and clear off of the system to prevent it from happening again. The
compatibility of the information system can cause challenges for the creator of the system
making it fit with systems already put in place.
With regards to the HSE, technical issues that arise in information systems can have
detrimental effects as they can slow down the system or block access which would leave
specialists and doctors without the access to the information they need in order to treat their
patients efficiently and effectively increasing the likelihood of problems resurfacing.
Different policies:
Another possible problem with information systems is the difference in policies and their
clarity. When information systems are created policies are put into the system to make
everything clear as to what has to be done, how it is to be done and the time allocated to it.
When implementing information systems there is always a risk of problems in the policies.
They can range from small little things to major issues that aren’t easily sorted; this can
happen as current policies would have to change and adapt to fit a new system meaning that
everyone using it would have to know the relevant changes and how they affect everything,
like a domino effect. It must be ensured that there is no more than one policy available for
any tasks that need to be completed as many problems can arise. Once one thing is done
wrong more problems would happen to everything that is going on in relation to it.
In the HSE having the correct policies and procedures is crucial to them as all the bits of
information on them are required. A problem in the HSE’s system with reference to that can
cause backlog etc., this issue raises many concerns in this industry as to its effectiveness as
a whole when it policies must be called to question.
Safeguarding, Privacy and Security
Privacy and security is a key aspect in any organisation as clients may give the organisation
personal information which they expect to be kept secure. Many organisations use
information systems to store client’s personal data as it is a more easily accessed and
efficient way of keeping information. This can cause challenges and risks, small and/or
severe to the organisation as there are multiple dangers that can be faced. The main cause
for these concerns are hackers, they often attempt to attack different information systems in
order to obtain information that could be useful for a variety of reasons, such as illegal stunts
and the release of confidential information. Good examples of these in everyday life are
credit card fraud and identity theft. Security in the healthcare sector with regards to patient’s
personal information is a main concern in information systems; these can be internal or
external concerns stemming from different places. If it is an external problem, there is only
so much that can be done to sort it as it can be difficult to pinpoint where it is coming from.

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However if the problem is an internal one it may be a bit more of a concern to the
organisation, seeing as most of the internal staff on any organisation should have unlimited
access to the database which they can then pass on to someone who may use this
information for unruly purposes or use it for their own personal use. According to the article:
Information Security and Privacy in Healthcare: Current State of Research they say “Privacy
is an underlying governing principle of the patient – physician relationship for effective
delivery of healthcare. Patients are required to share information with their physicians to
facilitate correct diagnosis and determination of treatment, especially to avoid adverse drug
interactions” (Appari and Johnson, 2015).
As you can see by the above statement it is necessary for patients to deliver personal
information to their physicians so this challenge within the organisation is nearly impossible
to avoid.
Financial Costs
Financial costs are almost like a hidden challenge or risk in implementing information
systems, yet they are in fact one of the main challenges within an organisation depending on
their financial situation. When adding an information systems to an organisation there are
hidden costs that need to be considered. It is more than just buying the hardware there are
also many software products which must be purchased. In the healthcare industry there are
certain types of software which must be purchased and added to their systems in order to
collect patient data. Security would also have to be purchased in order to keep patient’s files
and personal data secure.
The area of financial costing in management information systems is generally not thought of
or is completely overlooked which can cause it to be quite a challenge or risk to implement
one. It can be quite expensive to start up a system to do what you want without incurring a
few extra costs above and beyond what was initially expected. The overall expenses apply
to everyone but there are certain exceptions to those, as adjustments and personalisation
are requested it can change the underlying coding which the system is built on making it
more time consuming for the provider to follow specifications.
The healthcare system would have a substantial list of requirements for an information
system that would push the costing up, making the budgeted figure irrelevant compared to
the actual price. This risk is one that most organisations don’t consider when looking into
implementing an information system but it can cause the most problems for the organisation
as its cost can be overlooked or not put into consideration. there are also other cost aside for
the system itself that are vital to its success such as security software to protect the system
and all of its data and content that is necessary for the organisation and its running
effectively.
Specifically to the healthcare system software for scans and lab test results would be a key
factor to the system as a whole in order for doctors of a patient to have quick access to
those results therefore creating a quicker diagnosis period and stopping so much time being
wasted on transportation of data and information. This is one risk that anyone considering
getting a management information system needs to look into in order to make that decision
with a clear view of what they are getting into and the possible problems they may face
going into it.

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Typical Components of an Information System
“IT infrastructure refers to the composite hardware, software, network resources and
services required for the existence, operation and management of an enterprise IT
environment” (Techopedia.com, 2015).
It consists of seven major components. These seven components are as follows:

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Computer Hardware Platforms
Computer hardware platforms consist of client machines, servers and mainframes. Client
machines include desktops, laptops, mobile devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
The servers are known as blade servers which are ultrathin servers used by organisations to
save storage space, which is why they are stored in a mounted or standing rack, and to
improve management (Paginas.fe.up.pt, 2015).
The mainframes are produced by IBM since 1952 which is a large computer system that
enables the connection of numerous computers so that they can access, use and share the
facilities that the mainframe has to offer (Www-03.ibm.com, 2015). Hardware is described as
the physical components of the computer system. There are input and output devices. The
input devices include the keyboard, mouse and scanner. The output devices include the
monitor, printer and speakers. The input devices are used to input data into the computer,
and from here the data is processed and developed into a comprehensible piece of work.
The output devices are then used to communicate this newly developed information to the
people who need it; this improves the collaboration and information sharing between
different departments in an organisation.
In the healthcare sector they would use computer hardware platforms for a range of
activities. For example, if a patient had to get an MRI scan, when the scan is taken the

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image would be inputted into the computer system and the doctor would then examine it on
the monitor. Depending on the accuracy of the processed image of the scan, combined with
input and notes from the doctors and nurses it will help the doctor find out what is wrong with
the patient and what treatment plan is to be put in place for said patient.
Data management and storage
Data management and storage are some of the key components to an information system,
without them the system would not be able to provide any information for the organisation or
sector they are being used for. Therefore it is vital that the way data management and
storage are set up is correct and working properly.
The amount of data that is looked at and compared is immense and endless as more
information is always being added and included in current data that is already in place. The
management of data requires attention to plenty of different points. Accessibility of the data
is a part which the organisation must provide constant support, if any problems do occur the
whole system could be useless until it is sorted and corrected. The same can be said for the
transformation, exchange, delivery, replication and the ability to change any data (Sas.com,
2015), all of these are part of this one major component of information systems making them
important and something that should not be overlooked.
The management and storage of data is one of the core components to information systems
because without data they are irrelevant and useless. In order for the storage facilities to
fulfil their purpose they have to be reliable and secure. “We need systems in which users
can securely store critical information, ensuring that it persists, is continuously accessible,
cannot be destroyed and is kept confidential. A survivable storage system would provide
these guarantees over time and despite malicious compromises of storage node
subsets.”(Wylie et al., 2000).
Operating System Platform
Operating systems aim to use a computer's resources to an optimum level and to improve
efficiency. Operating systems perform many tasks such as recognising what the user types
onto the keyboard, displaying this information onto the monitor and providing file
management which deals with how the data is stored and how a user can retrieve this saved
data. Operating systems are also in charge of booting the computer (Biohealthmatics.com,
2015).
Operating system platforms operate on two levels, the client level and the server level. The
client level is dominated by Microsoft Windows with 90% of the operations run on it. You can
also get operation systems on your mobile such as android and IOS on Apple products. The
server level is dominated by UNIX and Linux as oppose to Microsoft Windows
(Paginas.fe.up.pt, 2015).
Examples of Microsoft operating systems include Windows 2013, Windows XP and Windows
CE which is an operating system for mobile devices and tablets. Examples of UNIX
operating systems include AIX, BSD, MINIX and Sun Solaris. There are many variants of
UNIX because the source code was made available to colleges and universities. Examples
of Linux operating systems include red-hat and corel (Biohealthmatics.com, 2015).

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There are many types of operating systems such as:
● Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): this type of operating system relates to how
quick the computer can process the data it has just received and use it in the best
possible way.
● Single User, Single Task: this type of operating system is self-explanatory; it is
designed so that one user can use the computer to do one task at a time.
● Single User, Multi-Tasking: This operating system allows one user to carry out many
tasks at the one time. A good example of this would be Apple’s Mac OS.
● Multi-User: this operating system allows more than one user to use the computers
resources all at the same time. It is about taking advantage of the computers
resources available to them. UNIX is an example of this. This system is designed so
that if one user is having a problem it will not affect the other users using the system
so it is a very productive system.
(Biohealthmatics.com, 2015)
In the healthcare sector the operating system used the most is the EHR software. EHR
software is electronic health records which are basically the electronic version of a patient's
chart. The EHR software is very beneficial to the healthcare as it helps make better
diagnoses and improves patient outcomes as EHR’s provide a complete picture of the
patient health information so therefore can help diagnoses patients quicker. It can improve
the level of patient care because the electronic health records can be accessed easily and in
any location thanks to cloud computing so this results in more efficient care if patients and
better co-ordinates care.
Electronic health records are safer and more reliable because they are completed fully with
the relevant data as oppose to when doctors are filling out paper patient charts there is a risk
they will miss something because they have to write everything down. As EHR is a computer
software you can install security systems onto the computer so it will be harder for
unauthorised people to access patient’s files. Another good thing about the records being
electronic is that they can be easily sent on to other professionals for a second opinion or to
help in the diagnoses process (Healthit.gov, 2015).
Enterprise software applications
Enterprise software applications are used to link a firm to its existing Information systems in
order for it to run. Enterprise software is “an overarching term for any software used in large
organizations (whether business or government). It is considered to be an essential part of a
computer-based information system, and it provides business-oriented tools such as Online
payment processing and automated billing systems” (Techopedia.com, 2015). This type of
software therefore is fundamental to the overall success and running of any information
system for an organisation. Through logic support operations the main aim of enterprise
software is to improve efficiency and productivity while performing tasks such as order
processing, customer relationship management and accounting (Techopedia.com, 2015).

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When it comes to the healthcare system and this particular area within it, there are many
aspects that must be considered, looked at and cared for in order for the enterprise software
to work effectively and complete its tasks as a component of an information system. The
main section that this would refer to would be in relation to the financial side of the sector
focusing on payment, billing, and accounting while other areas such as general operation
systems would focus on the care of patients, test results etc.
Telecommunications / Networking Platform
Telecommunications is defined as “the transmission of information, as words, sounds, or
images, usually over great distances, in the form of electromagnetic signals, as by telegraph,
telephone, radio or television” (Dictionary.com, 2015); networking is defined as “a supportive
system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common
interest” (Dictionary.com, 2015)
These are just one of the seven main components in IT infrastructure. These would be one
of the main components in an information system especially to an organisation like the
healthcare system. The healthcare system must use telecommunications and networking to
communicate with each other in numerous ways. For example: patients need to telephone
their GP when they have any queries or issues, another example would be when nurses or
secretaries in hospitals will need to contact ambulances in the case of an emergency. This
type of networking would usually be done over radio or telephone.
Internet Platforms
A platform is “the type of processor and / or other hardware on which a given operating
system or application program runs” (linfo.org, 2006). An internet platform is also a
processor which runs the internet and allows you to build and share websites through the
internet.
As the internet has exploded in recent times there is a higher demand for internet services
within businesses. They demand servers which allow for more applications to run on an
individual server. The internet hardware server market consists of these main firms: IBM
(International Business Machines Corporation), DELL, Sun (Oracle) and HP.
Within the healthcare system, internet platforms are used to build websites which provide
information for the general public, they can also be used to quicken the process of
appointment making by booking appointments Online instead of over the phone, which can
be time consuming.
Consulting System Integrating Services
A system integrator or ‘S.I’ is “an individual or business that builds computing systems for
clients by combining hardware and software products from multiple vendors.”
(searchitchannel.techtarget.com, 2015)
By using a system integrator within a business or organisation it can reduce the costs of
building their computing systems or IT infrastructure as even large and successful firms
would not have the power resources or funding to build their own customized information
system to suit that particular sector with which they are in. In order to tackle this problem,

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firms such as IBM Global Services, Infosys, HP and Wipro Technologies offer their
consulting techniques and contribute their knowledge to the organisation which hires them,
in order to maintain the organisations IT Infrastructure.
By integrating systems within the healthcare sector, it can improve medical care and put
more control on spending i.e. financial costs. Medical care can be improved in ways like
doctors integrating their knowledge and expertise into a system by with which they can share
their new findings and results of experiments. This would in turn result in doctors being more
educated and trained than ever before as oppose to working in small groups, their
knowledge could be shared worldwide through this integrated system. This would then
improve medical care.
The Future of Information Systems
“Information systems are increasing in complexity. There are greater volumes of data, users,
processes and transactions. There are greater interdependencies between components. The
range of available storage, user interface and computing devices is increasing“(Wmo.int,
2015). As they intricacy of information systems improves, the future of them rely on three
major areas.
Big data
Big data “is high-volume, high-velocity and/or high-variety information assets that demand
cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing that enable enhanced insight,
decision making, and process automation” (Data?, 2012); therefore it is big area to be
considered when looking at the future of information systems. With the changes even
between now and a few years ago, one can only imagine what will change in the next few
years as technology advances which is outlined below in the graph, hopefully changing how
effective and useful big data is and increasing its abilities. Big data does have three major
areas that it consists of; these being data variety, data velocity and data volume, these are
all just parts of the area but each carry their own importance.

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There is no question that big data is fundamental to the future development of information
systems, with its unstructured data handling, real time data processing and predictive
analytics and in-memory analytics being some of the main changing areas within big data.
Currently information systems have the ability to deal with both structured and unstructured
data which is an essential way in which information systems are going to evolve with big
data as its focus (Blog on Big Data and Analytics, 2015). As time goes on this would
continue and advance as more ways of gathering data such as wearable tech will be
introduced.
Given that real time data processing is another key element of big data and its future worth,
its speed in dealing with the constant streams of data and information would only increase
as the velocity at which the data is collected increases. This is an area that would be
expected to steadily improve as advances are made and its overall usefulness is explored.
Predictive analytics and in-memory analytics is useful in decision making by looking at data
given in a “variety of formats, in high volume and at a high velocity” (Blog on Big Data and
Analytics, 2015) in order to make a conclusion based on what's given and past experience.
When looking at the healthcare system the treatment of diabetics is an excellent area that
shows how big data is the future of information systems. Diabetes has been around for
years, within these years is contained the experience of new drugs, medication and
monitoring devices that have been developed in order to treat and measure an individual’s
blood sugar levels. The first method of testing blood sugars were glucose strips which
people had to urinate on and the results were colour coded. Following that came the test of
pricking your fingertip with a sharp needle and dispensing the blood onto a strip. The strip

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was then put into a device which would measure a person’s blood sugar levels. This method
of measuring blood sugar levels is not the most reliable method as a diabetic’s blood sugar
levels can change rapidly. A diabetics blood sugar levels is like a curve, it can be at its peak
one minute and crash the next.
In present time, devices are used to constantly check sugar levels so they are constantly
aware of where they are on the curve and what the best course of action is at any time;
before you know it this will advance even further and improve even more.
You can also look at it from the doctor’s point of view in regards to appointments and the
data they have. Say for example you haven’t been to the doctors in six months; they know
nothing about what has happened to you in that window of time. If you're there for a reason
the accuracy of the diagnosis given to you would only be as good as the accuracy of the
information you give them, meaning once again they are taking a best guess on what to do.
All of these issues follow into wearable tech which is linked to big data and how it would be
done.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is defined as “a category of technology devices that can be worn by a
consumer and often include tracking information related to health and fitness. Other
wearable tech gadgets include devices that have small motion sensors to take photos and
sync with your mobile device” (Webopedia, 2015). While it has been around for a while the
possibilities with this area are endless as this continues to grow in the markets.
There are now hundreds of types of wearable technology, ranging from fitness gadgets such
as Fitbit, Jawbone UP2, Moov Now to Garmin Vivoactive. Some have proven more
successful than others. Most of these gadgets consist of a wristband which must be worn
throughout the day; that track things such as how much exercise you have done throughout
the day by counting your steps, how far you have cycled, swam etc. some of these devices
even track your sleeping patterns.
From the above information we can see that wearable technology is an area where future
planning should be thought of by all sectors and organisations in the case of information
systems. Although wearable technology is already on the market and growing rapidly, this
hasn’t been proven true within the healthcare system. Yet there is one exception, which is
the growth and changes of how diabetics measure their blood sugars.
This area, previously mentioned above, also has relevance with wearable technology. In
recent times digital and medical experts have created a new and innovative way to measure
a diabetic’s blood sugar levels which deliver far more accurate results than devices that were
used in the past. They have created a new wearable technology that gives quick results and
has virtually no pain factor. It is called a blood sugar meter or a continuous glucose monitor.
It does exactly what it says in the name, it continuously monitors the individual diabetic’s
sugar level. This is a more effective way for diabetics to stay healthy and it fixes the
problems which may have arose from older devices, such as the ones mentioned before.
This device works by using “a tiny sensor placed under the skin of your belly. You can put it
in quickly and it’s usually not painful. It measures the amount of glucose in the fluid inside
your body. A transmitter on the sensor then sends the information to a wireless pager like
monitor that you can clip onto your belt” (WebMD, 2015).

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In the fourth coming years the healthcare system hope to bring out a new wearable
technology device which will track and monitor your health on a day to day basis. This will
enable doctors to run tests and obtain results about the individual’s health without physically
seeing his/her patient. By introducing these life changing wearable technology, it may lead to
a longer life span, detect diseases and illnesses earlier that can be treated and allow people
to live a long healthy lifestyle. This type of technology could be evolutionary for the
healthcare system.
3D-Printing
3D-Printing which is also known as additive manufacturing is “ the action or process of
making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down
many thin layers of a material in succession” (Oxforddictionaries.com).
Depending on the type of 3D-Printed model you are looking for different technologies are
used. The difference in the technologies comes down to how the layers are built up to create
the 3D model. Selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modelling (FDM) are
technologies that use the method of melting the plastic into a gooey liquid to produce the
layers (3dprinting.com). Stereolithography (SLA) is “a technique or process for creating
three-dimensional objects, in which a computer-controlled moving laser beam is used to
build up the required structure, layer by layer, from a liquid polymer that hardens on contact
with laser light” (Oxforddictionaries.com).
What is 3D-Printing used for and who uses it?
When 3D-Printing was first brought about by Chuck Hill back in 1986, it had one main
purpose and that was prototyping but this has drastically changed since the new innovations
in technology. Now it is being used for medical purposes, in the aerospace industry and still
for prototyping.
In relation to the aerospace industry they are utilising 3D-Printing as it helps them to cut
down on the overall weight of the aircraft. This is due to the distinctive geometries that 3D-
Printing provides. These geometries provide the strength that the aircraft requires but with
less mass. Therefore by reducing the overall weight of the aircraft you can reduce the
amount of fuel needed which in turn results in saving money that would have been spent on
fuel. This is why manufacturers such as NASA and companies such as Boeing and Airbus
are using 3D-Printing.
When it comes to prototyping, which is the process of taking an original product and
duplicating it in the same or different form, many companies turn to 3D-Printing as it reduces
costs and provides the valuable parts quicker than outsourcing them. This in turn saves
valuable time and helps the companies to produce better products.
In relation to medical purposes 3D-Printed models of human organs are a huge benefit to
surgeons nowadays as they provide a more intricate view of the organ as opposed to 2D
and 3D images on a computer screen. Having 3D-Printed models allows surgeons to
actually touch and practise on the actual replicas of the patient's organ. This is vital as all
patients have unique and different features in different organs and therefore 3D-Printing
allows surgeons to map out a surgery specifically to fulfil the needs of that patient and
practise the surgery numerous times on the prototype until they are happy and ready to
perform the surgery. This makes the surgical process more efficient. For example, if a

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surgeon was performing a surgery on a patient with a congenital heart defect a customised
and accurate 3D-Printed model of this patient's heart would be crucial. 3D-Printed models of
organs are also of great benefit for when the surgeon is explaining the surgery process to
the patient. Using the 3D model of the organ they can show the patient where they are going
to make the incisions and place the stents and this will be of great benefit to the patient as
they can physically see the organ and know what is going to happen to them during the
surgery (Krassenstein and Krassenstein, 2015).
Organovo are 3d-Printing live human liver tissue for experimentation and testing it at the
moment. They are able to facilitate this because “instead of thermoplastics and heat, they
use hydrogels infused with living cells” (Krassenstein and Krassenstein, 2015).
Healthcare facilities have been quick to embrace 3D-Printers as 3D-Printing can change and
save lives. This is why it is now rapidly becoming an invaluable technology. It is invaluable
because it can significantly reduce the risk of complications in surgery, it can reduce surgery
hours, and greatest of all is that it can produce better outcomes for patients. With these
innovations in technology doctors and medical providers are revolutionising how they care
for patients (LiveScience.com). 3D-Printers can also be used to make hearing aids, 3D casts
for broken bones rather than heavy and bulky plaster casts, hip replacements, hand
prosthetics and transradial prosthetics. Also researchers in the University of Cambridge have
taken samples from rats and printed living retinal eye cells which they believe is a huge step
in the right direction as down the line it could help lead to a cure for blindness which would
be a major development in the healthcare sector (Informationweek.com).
Conclusion
From our research, we saw that the healthcare sector wasn’t very quick to accept
information systems but from seeing this report hopefully they will be more accepting of it as
the benefits they pose are great and also they are of great importance to the future. In

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conclusion, management information systems do have a very prominent role in the
healthcare sector.
Despite the issues it contains it is unquestionable that the positive attributes that they have
on the overall effectiveness, efficiency and patient care benefits outweigh them. The only
problem that may occur would result from human error, which is likely to be in inputting or
interpreting data and uninformed decision making which can be corrected by holding training
sessions on running the information systems. This is why we believe that management
information systems are a worthy investment to the healthcare sector as the errors
mentioned can be fixed.
If you want your organisation to thrive in the future, MIS is the way to go. We live in a world
where there are constant improvements and innovations in technology and for an
organisation this is monumental. It is also assumed that as the technology advances and
develops all information systems will improve in all areas; also technological advances will
improve the global capabilities of care provided and how well the general population can be
treated and also specific conditions and health problems.
From the healthcare sector we saw that MIS have the potential to cut down the paperwork
load immensely and by doing so more staff members have the time to dedicate their
knowledge and put to better use with regards to patients and improvements in other
departments.
Overall we would recommend MIS as a viable option for Senior Management to consider
investing more time and resources into as it is the future of the HSE and the way forward
with proceeding generations.

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31 | Page
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Appendage:
ProjectPlan
Goals for Week of 07/10/2015
Minimum 1,000 Words 1,500-2,000 preferable
● Introduction approx. 500 words
● Importance of Information Systems
● In General 70%
● On Organisation 30%
*Minimum 500 words each
Introduction Plan:
Definition
Overall report points
Health Care Sector general overview
Importance of Information Systems
● Communication
● Operations Management
● Decision Making
● Efficiency
● Records
● Future Planning
Goals for week 14/10/2015

32 | Page
Meet Tuesday 20/10/2015 to collaborate
*Want appro. 3,000 over all on project
● Adjust introduction to read better and add more detail
● Benefits an information system can bring
Benefits an information system can bring:
1. H - Real-Time Information - secure access
2. H - Collaboration
3. E - Productivity
4. S - Innovation
5. E - Customer service - Reduced unnecessary tests
6. H - Adaptability
7. S - Accuracy & quality of patient care
8. E - Better follow-up, better follow-through
try add - DSS, ESS, SCM, CRM etc etc
At start of week have: 3,500 approx. - without bibliography
3,900 approx. - with bibliography
*Want a minimum of 1,500 words, hopefully more
*Overall want 5,000 words
The challenges and risks in implementing an Information System:
Research challenges and risks
Points to be discussed on whatsapp
● S - Safeguarding privacy and security
● E - technical problems
● H - personnel issues
● S - financial costs
● E - different policies
● H - training programs for practitioners and other health care providers

33 | Page
*Overall want 6,000 - 6,500 min. words
The typical components of an Information System:
● H - Computer hardware platforms
● H - Operating system platforms
● E - Enterprise software applications
● E - Data management and storage
● S - Networking/telecommunications platforms - between departments, people
● Internet platforms - link to another point, not enough info
● S - Consulting system integration services
*input, process, output, feedback and control - be incorporated
*Discuss if relevant and research
*discuss other possible points on whatsapp
The future of Information Systems:
● E - Big data
● S - Wearable tech
● H - 3-D Printing
● Diabetes example
* Adjust and start to edit project for final submission
* Write a brief history of health care system for introduction
* Start considering conclusion for overall project
* Cover page

34 | Page
Conclusion:
● look at different points and pull overall view
Goal for week 25/11/2015
Meeting on Thursday 26th Nov
1. Have advantages vs disadvantages summary and ideas
2. Graph for big data & wearable tech
3. Start reading through and final edits first two points
Goals for week 02/12/2015 & 12/02/2015
Finish up edits
Print and put in box
Turnitin

MIS

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