Health Information Standards: Towards Integrated Health Information Networks

Abstract

This chapter presents an abstract view of the regional health information networks (RHN). A presentation of the architecture and structures of the RHN is included. It also reveals the need for integration of information in the framework of a RHN and key issues for the applicability of health information standards to achieve interoperable health care organizations which are the stakeholders of the RHN are presented. Furthermore, a list of case studies for the implementation of RHN in health systems in European, as well as non-European countries, such as the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are demonstrated. Finally, important areas to focus when evaluating RHN are described. The authors hope that the abstract view of RHN would assist in the understanding of the key areas when building regional health networks.