ABSTRACT
An old saying exists that you can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs. This saying aptly describes the dangers in home care information system (IS) development. Yet, a good, up-to-date IS is essential for home care agency survival. Home care providers must make IS choices, yet the home care system is changing and will continue to change given today’s emphasis on managed care and reform. In addition, home care ISs are not developed to the extent of other ISs in the health delivery system. This is because the home care field has been in existence only a short time and a standard home care delivery system does not exist. Consequently, home care providers in charge of IS development are true pioneers who must make risky, long-term decisions in a constantly changing world.
