A preliminary open source software infrastructure for the health sector in the UAE

Khelifi Adel, Alhosn University
Abu Talib Manar, Zayed University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

Proceedings of the European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Conference on Information Systems: Global Information Systems Challenges in Management, EMCIS 2010

Publication Date

12-1-2010

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) is the key to ensuring that health care information is accessible when and where it is needed, and to supporting personal health, health care decision making, and health system sustainability. IT is making steady progress toward linking all aspects of patient care - it is the future of healthcare provision and it is growing fast. However, spending on new medical technology is considered a leading contributor to the increase in overall health spending. The development of IT systems in the health industry is often a high-cost venture. One way to address the problem of cost, and hence to improve the quality of the services provided by these systems, is to consider making IT applications available with no licensing fees through the Open Source Software community. This paper presents the initial development of a preliminary Open Source Software platform containing software that meets user requirements in the health sector. This platform is different from other medical Open Source Software, in that it integrates free open-source applications which range from operating systems to email systems. The paper also highlights the financial advantages of introducing Open Source Software and its positive impact on the quality of health services.

ISBN

9781902316802

Disciplines

Computer Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

Health sector, Open source software, Platform development, Proprietary software, UAE

Scopus ID

84857556440

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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