Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Hospital Information System in Comparison with Manual System in Selected Sections of Namazi Hospital of Shiraz

Background & objectives: Health information technology provides a powerful tool for monitoring the health system's performance. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of hospital information system in comparison with manual system in selected sections of Namazi hospital in Shiraz. Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was a economic evaluation carried out at Namazi hospital in 2014. The study subjects were selected from staffs of different sections that were related to hospital information system. The sampling method was systematic random sampling. Cost estimation of two manual and electronic systems was achieved by interviewing with related staff and also using checklists by evaluating financial documents and evidences present in the hospital. Result: The results of the economic evaluation showed that the hospital information system caused increase in costs up to 3,766,732,077 Rials and in effectiveness by 30.47, compared to manual system. This indicated a significant difference in overall score of service quality in these two systems. Conclusion: Regarding to the cost between handheld and electronic systems, the cost of the electronic system was higher than that of manual system. However, when considering the cost-effectiveness ratio, the hospital-based information system was more cost-effective than manual system.