Towards the integration of near-patient collection of information for the delivery of healthcare services

This paper discusses the role that information, particularly information collected and used near to the patient, can play in the delivery of healthcare services. We define what we mean by "near the patient" and review many of the ways in which information is currently collected, stored and shared. We identify what technological and other factors have changed that make the collection and use of information near the patient more likely. We go on to present two scenarios and discuss the opportunities and issues that arise from them.