Hospital information systems that have been developed during the last 40 years
have now demonstrated an efficiency and maturity sufficient to consider their rapid
generalisation (ONC 2013). In that context the main issue is to determine the most
appropriate strategy to select and deploy an existing solution taking into account the
technical, financial, and organisational dimensions of such a project. In a difficult
economic situation, 5–10 years can represent an appropriate time scale to achieve
the goal of an operational HIS. Computerisation of technical units, namely biology,
imaging, and pharmacy is often considered as a useful preliminary step keeping in
mind that some transversal functions should be better managed by transversal
components such as provider order entry or scheduling systems. A shared unique/
multimedia EPR is the key components of a CIS, facilitating the continuity of care
and the coordination of health professionals. Data warehousing coupled with the
CIS can efficiently facilitate quality of care management, epidemiologic studies and
translational research.