Requirements for information and imaging standards in Health Information Systems

Planning, designing and efficiently managing Health Information Systems (HIS) requires introduction of key technologies for successful operation. Information and communication technologies, could dramatically contribute to achieve better results in such activities. Health information exchange processes require stringent procedures and interoperability. It is of utmost importance to introduce key standards thus ensuring high level of confidence in such systems. Usage of digital multimedia information in medical applications opens possibilities for advanced, flexible and distributed architecture of healthcare services. However, medical images are considered to be the most complex form of digital data and usage of digital images is in general associated to high system, telecommunication and storage costs. Correct understanding of processes that are part of the medical system architecture, underlying standards and procedures are important.