Investigating the practicality of the systems engineering process approach as an alternative to SDLC in developing health information systems

Abstract

Many hospitals in developing regions like East Malaysia are increasingly adopting health information systems (HIS) to enhance operational efficiency. The systems development life-cycle (SDLC) has been the traditional approach to developing HIS. Still, the systems engineering process (SEP) approach is gaining popularity as an option. This paper investigates the practicality of the SEP approach as an alternative to the SDLC in developing HIS. The study utilized semi-structured interviews with HIS development experts. This case study discusses the effectiveness of utilizing the SEP methodology in developing HIS for government hospitals. The study highlights the inherent complexity of the healthcare system and the involvement of various stakeholders, which justify the use of SEP. The iterative approach of SEP, coupled with extensive collaboration, ensures that the HIS is tailored to meet the specific goals of the hospital. The SEP approach's testing and integration phase enable seamless integration with existing systems, enhancing interoperability.