Using process-mapping to design integrated health information management systems

There is growing interest internationally in the development and effective integration of efficient and useable electronic health information management systems. However, it is essential that researchers, designers and implementers have a clear understanding of the current care processes in place before they start to develop or implement new electronic systems within health care settings. A critical first step to designing such systems is the development of accurate models depicting existing care pathways and clinical processes. Here, we introduce the concepts of process-mapping, and discuss how these tools are currently being applied to a comprehensive process mapping project of pre-operative assessment services across Scotland.