AMIA White Paper: Free & Open Source Software in Healthcare

The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Open Source Working Group prepared a white paper in 2008 on Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) definitions, FOSS licensing, preferred FOSS licenses, major problems with Health Information Technology (HIT) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, and how FOSS licensed EHR systems can solve these problems. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basic introduction to these concepts and terminology, dispel myths and to explain the possible benefits of using open source software in medicine. To see the complete report, go to www.amia.org/files/Final-OS-WG%20White%20Paper_11_19_08.pdf