A hospital information system (HIS) is the sum of all information-processing software systems in a hospital. These software systems are typically used for collecting, processing and transmitting of medical and administrative hospital data.

HIS includes server functions, workspace functions and mobile functions of data supply. In a broader sense, conventional methods of paper-based documentation and voice communication belong to KIS too. Today, generally the term is limited more on computer-based components of HIS.

The term HIS is also used to refer to any less specific server functions of a hospital network and to differentiate this from special systems, such as

• Radiology Information System (RIS),
• Laboratory information systems (LIS or LIMS),
• Intensive Care Unit Information System (IIS)
• etc.

The fundamental goal of HIS is to meet the requirements of the SGB V. According to those requirements, writing a note on a piece of paper or typing it into a word processor is simply not enough. HIS should improve the communication between the hospital staff and organize and control the entire process in a hospital. The administration of patient master data and case data is included.

The functions of hospital information systems are protection, modification and presentation of information and data. This has the potential advantage that each authorized employee of a hospital in his/her assigned role can access all information relevant for him/her.

The focus of the functions lies in the administrative area, especially in 

• collecting hospital data (e. g. anamnesis),
• documentation and planning of medical and nursing care,
• creation of medical reports and doctors letters,
• prescribing of examinations or treatments by the physician,
• administration and documentation of the examination results.

Source: Wikipedia.org