ABC of health informatics: How computers help make efficient use of consultations

The strengths of human thought processes may be complemented by the strengths of electronic tools. The initial costs of developing and implementing new information systems may be high, but the costs thereafter can be lower than the non-electronic source that is being replaced. In 2003, American policymakers said that $120 billion a year could be saved by using information systems. Well designed, new, informatics tools typically improve effectiveness by 10-15%. Lower costs and better outcomes mean that informatics tools are moving from an era of hype to one in which real benefits are seen.