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

Abstract

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. To address these factors an ICT solution that facilitates knowledge flow between both allergy care providers and patients is proffered. The system is a web portal coupled with a mobile App, which together utilize a shared database of medical records for allergy patients. The system is used to examine the role of ICT to facilitate superior knowledge flow and transfer. This system uses the principles of Knowledge Management, and is guided by a Design Science Research Methodology. The implications of this study are far reaching to communities, healthcare systems, and national economies.