Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC, Falls Church, Va.) has developed a five-point framework to enable hospitals to address the proper governance of its IT assets.
The initiative is designed to ensure that clinical information systems align with the hospital’s operational structure, and that IT’s value and benefits are maximized, IT risks are mitigated, IT resources are properly managed and the IT system performs at peak capacity, says the company.
According to CSC, proper medical IT governance should function through this five-point framework:
· Set Objectives: The hospital board and IT governance team set objectives that are achievable from the hospital’s current financial and operational state.
· Compare: Objectives are then compared with the current capabilities of the IT system
· Provide Direction: The IT team and board address next steps, assigning priority to the most necessary actions to improve hospital work flow and patient safety.
· IT Activities: The IT team increases automation of certain functions, implements technologies that address patient safety, and adjusts the system for data security, regulatory compliance and reliability.
· Measure Performance: The team and board monitor the system’s use to ensure that it is meeting the objectives set at the beginning of the evaluation period.
