Understanding the Role of Social Capital in Integrating Health Information Systems

Abstract

This paper empirically explores the importance of social capital for the integration of Health Information Systems (HISs) by drawing a case study from Gujarat state of India HIS integration initiative. In light of the main tenets of social capital such as trust, social relation and networking, the paper gives a fresh perspective regarding how the existing fragmented and disparate instantiations of HIS could move towards a coherent whole. Detailing the socio-technical challenges faced during this initiative, we tried to show how the position, background and social status of the implementers contributed in creating trust and networking among the various stakeholders, which in turn led to integration of the HISs.