he preceding chapter describes an array of systems-engineering tools and associated techniques for analyzing, designing, controlling, and improving health care delivery processes and systems. This chapter is focused on the application of information and communications technologies to the delivery of safe, effective, timely, patient-centered, efficient, and equitable health care, a review of progress toward the establishment of a National Health Information Infrastructure (NHII), and a description of the tasks that lie ahead. The committee highlights the complementary nature of information/ communications technologies and systems engineering.
