An agile approach for integration of an open source health information system

Abstract

In this paper we examine the close relationship that can be established between Agile methodologies and the FLOSS (Free-Libre Open Source Software) development model, by integrating a Health Information System (HIS) into the IT environment of an Italian hospital (a so-called software verticalization). We followed XP approach during development of new features. This approach allowed us not only to contribute to the original Open Source project, helping it to become increasingly mature, but also to evaluate in a quantitative manner the effort devoted to the international project, to the national context and to the specific health care organization. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.