Integrated ICT approach to improve clinical processes in healthcare organizations: A case study

The Italian National Cancer Institute in Milan is moving towards advanced applications in support of clinical operations, applying a coherent methodological approach to technological and organizational evolution. Above all it can be considered a forerunner in the advocation of RFId (Radio Frequency Identification) solutions, as it is spreading this technology across many clinical areas: blood transfusions, chemotherapy management, tissue bank operations, management of surgical instruments. This paper will mainly focus on the first project being set up for granting safer transfusion in the Institute, describing the initial process configuration, critical issues addressed, the first pilot intervention, the achieved results and following developments. Afterwards, some other key projects will be presented, underlining how they are bound by a coherent strategy. This case study shows an innovative use of new technology focusing on the enabling role of Information Technology on process governance instead on the diagnostic aspects of technology (machinery).