Partners HealthCare Knowledge Integration

Paper Summary:

This paper deals with issues which are relevant to the Partners HealthCare System (PHC) that integrate knowledge stored in knowledge bases with a logic engine that defines the interconnections between the various kinds of knowledge. The paper discusses the differing characteristics of information as used by physicians and management and the role of information systems professionals in establishing the system. The paper also looks at project management and management of risks, security threats to the data and ways of dealing with these threats.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Information Characteristics
Role of Information Systems Personnel in Knowledge Management and Sharing
Importance of Project Management, Change Management and Risk Management
Risks of not Investing in Information Technology
Semiotic Analysis using Syntactics, Semantics and Pragmatics
Three Potential Threats to Security of Data
Three Security Practises to Safeguard Data Assets
Firewall
Intrusion Detection System
Public Key Encryption
Two Potential Privacy Issues that may Arise from Partners HealthCare System
Two Policy Approaches to Protect Personal Privacy of Patients
Cultural Issues Surrounding the Partners HealthCare System
Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper:

"In conclusion PHC has developed and implemented a successful human-computer system that appears to be achieving its goals. I strongly recommend that PHC initially focus its efforts on securing its data repository which is its greatest asset. The knowledge accumulated from the experienced medical staff and placed in the knowledge base ensures that even if the staff should leave the organisation, the knowledge will be retained. Medical information regarding patients facilitates their treatment. By studying and internalising the points made in this report regarding privacy issues, data security and cultural issues inherent in operating a heterogeneous system combining humans with computerised resources, PHC should be able to leverage its position as a leading healthcare provider in the New England area."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Confidentiality of Medical Information 2008, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, viewed 17 November 2008, http://www.som.uq.edu.au/somdocs/MBBS2/Chpt8/8.8/.
• Davenport, T.H & Prusak, L 1998, Working Knowledge, How Organizations Manage What They Know, Harvard Business Press, Boston, Massachusetts.
• de Carvalho, R & Ferreira, M 2001, Using information technology to support knowledge conversion processes, viewed 18 November 2008, http://informationr.net/ir/7-1/paper118.html.
• Denley, I & Weston Smith, S 1999, Privacy in clinical information systems in secondary care, British Medical Journal viewed 19 November 2008, http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/318/7194/1328
• Dennis, A, Wixom, BH & Tegarden, D 2005, Systems Analysis & Design with UML Version 2.0, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons Inc. New Jersey, USA, Chapter 4

More papers on Partners HealthCare Knowledge Integration:

• Case Study # 121391 : "Partners Healthcare System"
• Case Study # 70583 : "Partners Healthcare System"
• Research Proposal # 113084 : "IT and Healthcare Performance"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: