Provides both a conceptual framework and a practical approach for the implementation and management of IT used to improve the delivery of health care. Designed for use by professors and students of medical informatics and for practicing professionals, this book focuses on the role of computers in the provision of medical services. It provides the conceptual base needed to comprehend and utilize medical informatics through easy to understand examples that demonstrate how computers assist in the delivery of health care. This text also includes pointers to additional literature, chapter summaries, and concise definition of recurring terms for self-study or classroom use.