Using healthcare information systems to facilitate smart and sustainable knowledge flow in healthcare: The case of allergy care in Australia.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Allergy including asthma incidents are steadily increasing, and thus becoming a major health concern in developed countries. In Australia, the model used to manage patients suffering from allergy has two main problems; it is fragmented in nature, and difficult to access specialist care. In addition, there is a lack of awareness from the public about allergy management. Hence, this study answers the following research question: “How can information and communication technology be designed to facilitate superior knowledge flow in the context of allergy care delivery?” BACKGROUND: This study proposes an information system solution that facilitates knowledge flow between both allergy care providers and patients. The system is a web portal coupled with a mobile App, which together utilise a shared database of medical records for allergy patients. This system uses the principles of Knowledge Management, and is guided by a Design Science Research Methodology. METHOD: This study adopts single case study and Design Science RESERCH METHODOLOGY (DSRM). The design phase of this study was guided by discussions with clinicians in the selected case. The selected case is a paediatric allergy clinic in Melbourne. RESULTS: The initial prototype has been designed including the structure of the backbone database, and the web portal, and testing them both by using a dummy data set. The initial results show that the database is capable to be the back-bone supporting system. The next step will use real de-identified data to test its scalability in real-time. the majority of design requirements were met during the design, plus subscribing to the DSRM approach. CONCLUSION: By addressing the current fragmentation of allergy care delivery through the creation of a dynamic longitudinal knowledge-base, it will be possible to provide superior care to allergy suffers throughout their life.