CHCF Report: Open Source Software Primer for Health Care Leaders

This 2006 report by the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) examines the development and distribution of open source software and explores open source basics – what open source is all about and potential advantages of using open source solutions. The report also offers industry perspectives, explores the potential impact on EMR systems and regional health information networks, and compares open source to traditional proprietary software solutions. While not heralding the end of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software vendors, the report concludes that conditions are ripe for open source solutions to take root in health care. That it may become the likely standard for capturing, sharing, and managing patient information to support quality care in the future. It also notes that health care businesses have the opportunity to take the lead and drive the shift to this new model by other industries. See the full report at  www.chcf.org/publications/2006/03/open-source-software-a-primer-for-health-care-leaders