In almost all Western countries, concerted efforts are made to stimulate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in health care. Yet the number of success stories are few and the frustrations many. Health Information Management is a new textbook that introduces readers to the challenges, the lessons learned and the new insights of health information management at the start of the twenty-first century. With a strong international orientation and a critical eye on many traditional information management views the book illustrates key developments by drawing on many examples from different countries. This comparative approach provides readers with a comprehensive and well-balanced perspective to this core management topic in the health care field. It highlights how seemingly 'technical' management decisions affect both clinicians and patients, and how the unpredictable nature of technology development in complex organizational organizations may be handled. Featuring case studies and an overall practitioner's perspective, this is an accessible textbook that combines theoretical backgrounds and starting points with practice-oriented guidelines and advice on the best methods for bringing these ideas to the challenges of everyday health care management. Topics covered include: * Patient Care Information Systems * Integrating Quality Improvement * Information Strategy * Implementing Information Systems An original and refreshing textbook on this core health care topic, this is essential reading for students of health care management and health care practitioners alike.