Requires students to analyze the complex institutional changes in the health

environment and to determine how the proposed affiliation might influence the
hospital's chances for successfully carrying out its core missions.

Mini-Case Analysis: Partners Healthcare System (Chapter 14)

The following will provide a brief analysis of the case presented in the text book for Partners
Healthcare System (PHS), by using the analytical process provided in the course outline as a
framework for the analysis.

Organization
The organization in the case is PHS: a Boston based group of hospitals and physicians.

Organizational Problem
In order to deliver quality service, physicians have a need to be kept up to date with recent
advances in medical drugs and treatment options.

Information Problem
Knowledge on adverse drug interactions, possible allergic reactions, or availability of a better
drug needed to be delivered in real time.

Information Technology Problem

No integrated technology was in place that would deliver just-in-time information to physicians,
linked to specific patient records, regarding new drugs, tests, medical research, allergies, etc.

IT/IS Based Alternatives for Solving Problem

The case discussed one solution:
Develop an expert system that will, in real time, cross-check patients medical records
stored in one database with a knowledge base on drugs. A logic (inference) engine is
used to perform this cross-check and the doctor receives warnings right away if the logic
engine identifies any problems.

Pros and Cons to the Solution

Pros:
1. Very efficient and built on existing technology so the physician and users dont have to
adapt their way of doing things much.
2. Easy to use and requires little or no extra time by physician
3. Gives individualized results

Cons:
1. Expensive, customized system
2. Has to be developed from scratch
3. Requires inputs from a number of different departments and professionals, adding further
to expense
Advantages of the Solution
The PHS expert system is more effective than the way physicians knowledge was managed in
the past. Once the system was put in place, 380 orders a day are being changed. Considering
that these are medical issues, 380 changes a day is extremely significant and easily justifies the
large initial capital investment.

Messages for Modern Leader

Expert systems can provide effective solutions for knowledge capturing and use. Search for
expert systems in specialized areas of knowledge that can improve the quality of professionals
work.