The range of information needed within an effective health information system is large. It includes knowledge about diseases, analytical, diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic techniques, health planning and administration, social services, law, computerised methods, patient records and statistics, population structure, the physical environment, the range of health services available, health education and promotion, health status, and efficacy and performance of our health system, to name a few. Medical Council of New Zealand, 1990. and Principles and guidelines for informed choice and consent for all health care providers and planners. Department of Health, May 1991. The Department of Health's Principles identify autonomy, responsibility and acceptability as the key principles of informed choice and informed consent.
Autonomy means self determination.
The Health Information Association of New Zealand established a Consumer Health Information Working Party which held its first meeting on 20 November 1990. It seeks, therefore. I am pleased to announce that the first project completed by the Working Party will be launched at this Conference on Sunday. Health Information Association of New Zealand, Wellington. These guidelines have been produced in order to promote the development of effective, efficient and widespread health information services.