Physicians in health care management: 6. Physician *bytes* computer.

Revolutionary advancements in information technology are improving access to medical information, operational efficiency and clinical effectiveness. Health care facilities and agencies are planning to acquire information systems that will affect clinical and administrative functions. Federal and provincial agencies are beginning to define and collect diverse health care data and integrate them in a national database. As the demand for and access to information grows physicians will be key providers and users. They will have increasing access to critical patient data through clinical information systems; however, their practice patterns, clinical outcomes and resource utilization will also be subject to increasing scrutiny. To ensure appropriate use of technology and information systems, careful planning, selection, implementation and management will be needed. Physicians will require training to use the information and systems effectively. They must also recognize the increasing importance of such systems in delivering and managing health care; they must play a pivotal role in resolving management, information and systems issues and in promoting sound information and management strategies; and they must encourage research and education in medical informatics.