Challenges in evaluation of the health information systems

Abstract Health information systems (HIS) are among the modern and expensive attachments to many health applications of information and communication technology (ICT) and therefore, the decision makers around the world are under progressive pressure from the vendors, clinicians and the public for installation of such systems. To review some of important problems regarding the IT evaluation in health care and also presenting a structured account on reasons, consequences, and the possible solutions. A variety of internet sources including Google, Blackwell, Pubmed, Sciencedirect, WHO, and also the library resources of paramedical school, Tabriz (Iran). Many authors have reported problems while evaluating the application of information technology in health care. In present study, some of those problems are addressed and also a few possible solutions suggested. Considering the difficulties, three main areas of problems-the complexity of the evaluation object, the complexity of an evaluation project, and the motivation for evaluation are defined. Many evaluation problems can be covered under these three areas of problems. Evaluating information systems is notoriously difficult for many reasons, however, and despite the considerable numbers of challenges, evaluation of HIS is necessary. A broadly accepted framework for evaluation of IT in health care seems to be appropriate in addressing those problems.