AHIC Review Course 1: System Development Life Cycle

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering SDLC concepts, healthcare-specific considerations, alternative models, and implementation benefits based on the provided notes.

What is an information system?

Interrelated components that collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.

What is Information Systems Science?

The field that studies the components of information systems and the strategic, managerial, and operational activities involved in implementing and using information systems in society and organizations.

What are Health Information Systems (HIS)?

Information systems used in healthcare settings by providers, payors, governance, or patients.

What is Health Information Systems Science?

The field that studies HIS and their implementation, use, and impact in healthcare.

What is System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

A process for developing an information system; first developed in the 1960s to manage large software projects and later applied to HIS implementations.

When and why was the SDLC developed?

Developed in the 1960s to manage large software projects; later found to be a good fit for HIS implementation and optimization.

List the traditional SDLC phases.

Preliminary analysis, Feasibility study, System analysis, System design, System build/construction, System testing, Implementation and maintenance.

What is preliminary analysis in SDLC?

The first and crucial phase focused on identifying critical business needs or problems.

What is a feasibility study in SDLC?

An initial investigation to determine whether an initiative should be launched and whether to develop or adopt a new system.

What is system analysis in SDLC?

Detailed collection and analysis to answer what, how, who, when, and why.

What is system design in SDLC?

Translating business requirements into technical specifications, including user interaction, data inputs/outputs, and report needs.

What is system build/construction in SDLC?

Phase where system programs and configuration changes are created or modified.

What is system testing in SDLC?

Testing of the new system or changes to ensure individual functions and the full system work; ends with user approval.

What is implementation and maintenance in SDLC?

Implementation ensures training, readiness, and data conversion; maintenance involves ongoing issue fixes, updates, and SOPs.

What is the difference between implementation and maintenance in healthcare SDLC?

Implementation prepares users and operations; maintenance begins post-implementation and includes continuous improvement and updates.

What is SDLC uniqueness in healthcare?

Healthcare has many human–system interaction points; integrating human factors with technology is essential for successful adoption and monitoring.

What are the four layers of the IOM healthcare system model?

Individual patient; Care team; Organization; Political and economic environment.

What are alternative SDLC models used in HIS development?

Rapid Application Development (RAD); Agile (iterative); Lean.

What is Rapid Application Development (RAD)?

Rapidly building a working model; may not meet full requirements initially and progresses through iterations.

What is Agile methodology?

An iterative approach emphasizing frequent review, feedback, modification, and possible discarding of building blocks.

What is Lean methodology?

Focus on developing a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) with iterative feedback until the final product is achieved.

What are benefits of applying SDLC in HIS implementation?

Provides a deliberate, structured roadmap; enables repeatable, documented projects; supports gathering requirements, configuring the system, user testing, staff training, pilot/production, and continuous improvement.

Which team should be considered when applying software engineering principles to healthcare and HIS implementations?

Care Team.

Which option is NOT a separate SDLC phase according to common definitions?

Create Project Team (not a distinct SDLC phase; team creation is typically part of an earlier phase such as planning).