Web Services in Government Policy: Case Study from UK NationalHealth Service

Abstract

The public sector accounts for a greater proportion of United Kingdom’s information technology (IT) spending, but cutting edge success stories in government IT are suddenly reported in popular press. As a result of the electronic delivery of government services (i.e. the National Health Service, Defence and Criminal Justice systems) becomes more commonplace, the public sector is becoming increasingly dependent on technology. This chapter reports on a three years research, which looks at the application of Web Services into United Kingdom healthcare as a fulfilment of numerous semi- and unsuccessful IT projects, that fell-short of delivering any tangible benefits. The author looks at the National Health Service’s current IS strategy—fully dependent on Web services application—with the criteria of successful implementation, return on investment, increased productivity, innovation and user benefits.