The HEGP component-based clinical information system

Objectives: The opening of the Georges Pompidou University Hospital (HEGP) in southwest Paris from the merging of three aging facilities was the opportunity to conceive and deploy a brand new clinical information system (CIS) based on a component-based approach. This paper describes the process of selection of the business components, the main functions currently in use, and the technical infrastructure that proved necessary. Methods: The HEGP CIS features generic and healthcare-related components. The generic components include a reference manager, a security manager, a document manager, a Corba bus, and various mediation and supervision tools. The healthcare-related components include the patient, healthcare record, act management, and resource scheduler components. Results: Major functions of CIS were operational at the opening of the hospital in July 2000. Two years later, the unique patient record and the provider order entry system were used in 96% of the concerned healthcare units. Sixty-five percent of the biological orders and 55% of the imaging orders were directly entered by the physicians. Access to investigation results including on-line availability of images is used by physicians in 100% of the units. Discussion and conclusion: A component-based approach was found to be high-performing and cost-effective for the design and deployment of HEGP CIS.