Transformation of a health care information system: A self-assessment survey

U.S. health care providers are currently seeking to reduce costs while simultaneously maintaining quality of care, One strategy for the reinvention of the health care industry is the more effective use of new quality and information technology solutions. Results are presented from a survey of 98 top executives at Baylor Health Care System (BHCS), a large, multifunction health care organization in Dallas, TX. The survey sought to assess the executives' perceptions of current BHCS quality practices. The study used a survey developed for the health care industry based on the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award MBNQA) criteria. This paper reports findings related to the quality of BHCS internal and external data and information quality. Factor analysis and regression models using the survey data were used to highlight findings that include: 1) the need for a $50+ million information system transformation at BHCS as an essential action item to achieve the organization's critical success factors and 2) the importance of internal and external data and information in achieving business process redesign and a quality transformation at BHCS. Results highlight the need for further research investigating the dimensions associated with the MBNQA criteria and their relationship with the Information and Analysis component.