Athina A. Lazakidou - Böcker

Web-based applications provide the power of desktop and server applications with the exibility and accessibility of the web. Using web browsers, users can securely access applications from anywhere within the reach of the company intranet or extranet. The special issue strives to explore the advanced web-based information systems and database applications in healthcare area. Healthcare organizations are undergoing major reorganizations and adjustments to meet the increasing demands of improved healthcare access and quality, as well as lowered costs. As the use of information technology to process medical data increases, much of the critical information necessary to meet these challenges is being stored in digital format. Web-enabled information technologies can provide the means for greater access and more effective integration of healthcare information from disparate computer applications and other information resources. This book presents studies from leading researchers and practitioners focusing on the current challenges, directions, trends, and opportunities associated with heal- care organizations and their strategic use of web-enabled technologies. Managing healthcare information systems with web-enabled technologies is an excellent ve- cle for understanding current and potential uses of Internet technology in the broad areas of healthcare and medical applications.

Online communities are among the most obvious manifestations of social networks based on new media technology. Facilitating ad-hoc communication and leveraging collective intelligence by matching similar or related users have become important success factors in almost every successful business plan. Researchers are just beginning to understand virtual communities and collaborations among participants currently proliferating across the world. Virtual Communities, Social Networks and Collaboration covers cutting edge research topics of utmost real-world importance in the specific domain of social networks. This volume focuses on exploring issues relating to the design, development, and outcomes from electronic groups and online communities, including: - The implications of social networking,- Understanding of how and why knowledge is shared among participants,- What leads to participation, effective collaboration, co-creation and innovation,- How organizations can better utilize the potential benefits of communities in both internal operations, marketing, and new product development.

New requirements and technological advances occurring in healthcare, information systems, and information technology have influenced the evolving role of healthcare information systems and related technology, and this book will help bring the field up to date.