A Roadmap to the Introduction of Pervasive Information Systems in Healthcare

Pervasive healthcare is an emerging research discipline, which focuses on the development of pervasive and ubiquitous computing technology for healthcare environments. Information and Communication Technologies have dramatically evolved during the last decade, laying a solid foundation for the future generation of Ubiquitous Internet access. As a result, current efforts in research and development in the areas of pervasive healthcare, promote the formation of inter-disciplinary international teams of experts, scientists, researchers and engineers to create a new generation of applications and technologies that will facilitate the fully automated information cyberspace systems. The authors discuss the current state-of-the-art in the world of Telecommunications and Internet Technologies as well as new technological trends in the Internet and Automation Industries, while promoting research and development in the interdisciplinary projects conducted by multinational teams worldwide. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-805-0.ch001 22 International Journal of Advanced Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing, 2(3), 21-32, July-September 2010 Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. explored thoroughly the necessity of adopting and implementing pervasive IT/IS. Aiming to address this gap, the chapter aims to shed light upon the complex configurations of stakeholders that construct Pervasive Information Systems (PIS). The structure of the chapter is as follows: after a brief introduction to pervasive computing, the introduction of PIS to the healthcare is examined and in particular literature regarding the implementation of PIS to the specific context. Additionally, issues regarding the role of stakeholders during the implementation process are highlighted. The chapter concludes by an overview of the PIS and their application in healthcare and suggests further research avenues.