Health information system

Health Management Glossary

Digital Health and AI

Definition. A health information system collects, processes, analyses and reports data needed for planning, managing and evaluating health services, from patient records to national statistics.

Explanation

National frameworks describe components such as resources, indicators, data sources, data management, information products and use of information in decision-making (Health Metrics Network, 2008). In hospitals, these systems combine clinical, administrative and financial data.

Their value depends on data quality and use: a system that produces reports nobody acts on adds cost without benefit. Health information systems are therefore linked to governance, performance management and interoperability.

Related concepts

Electronic health record (EHR) Interoperability Quality indicator Health system performance Data governance

References

Health Metrics Network. (2008). Framework and standards for country health information systems (2nd ed.). World Health Organization.

Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Health information system. In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/health-information-system/

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