Information is the common link among interacting elements within an organization, and the health care industry is information intensive. Therefore, managers are interested in the flow and processing of information. Information is meaningful data. To have meaning, the information must be appropriate to the situation and be accessible. Review Figure 4-1, page 103 of your text.
Useful information is accurate and verifiable.
The best data can come from multiple sources, and therefore can be cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and consistency. Good information is characteristically composed of relevant and intelligently processed data that has standardized meaning, such as bed occupancy rate or DRGs. Good information should be timely and comprehensive, i.e., fresh and new, and contain all information necessary for decision making. Information should be sensitive and unbiased for meaningful comparisons. Data should not be used to justify forecasts and selfish needs.