China’s hospital information systems have progressively developed over the last twenty

years, from a singlecomputer, single-user to department and hospital-wide management

information systems. The initial focus was on accounting, drug dispensing and

administration;more recently providing support for clinical services and the electronic

medical record; from a single hospital to trial applications within a region.

Hospital information systems now provide essential support for medical care. It is hard to

imagine how outpatient and inpatient services could function without computers.Hospital

information systems now provide essential support for medical care. It is hard to imagine

how outpatient and inpatient services could function without computers.