Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information. IT is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies. IT is considered to be a subset of information and communications technology (ICT).

Health information technology (IT) implementation has encompassed much of the United States health care system over the past decade, and user frustration with health IT has steadily increased. Human factors and ergonomics (HFE) methods and approaches can improve the design, implementation, and use of health IT for clinicians and consumers.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of getting health care right. Health care is an essential service for everyone and a major part of the United States (US) economy. Authoritative sources have highlighted significant room for improvement in the safety and cost of health care delivery. 

Historical perspective on health IT

The NAM has identified several strategies for improvement in health care quality. One major recommendation was the use of IT to ensure that health information flowed freely where and when it was needed. In making this recommendation, the NAM also anticipated the challenges of deploying information technology across a very complex sector and noted changes required for successful adoption by clinicians and organizations.