A Strategic Plan for Health Information Management: An Operational Framework for Data Governance in Iran's Health System

Abstract

Given the central role of data in digital health transformation, moving from mere data collection toward the strategic management of data as a strategic asset is essential. As defined in health data governance, this governance is important because without policies, processes, and decision-making structures, data will lack the validity, reliability, and integration needed to support high-level decision-making .

The development of a Strategic Information Management (SIM) plan is the only way to operationalize data governance in health organizations. Health data governance encompasses the policies, processes, and decision-making structures that ensure data validity, reliability, and readiness to support high level decision-making. However, its implementation faces major challenges, including lack of policies and implementation frameworks, lack of assurance regarding data and metadata quality, and restrictions in data access management.

These problems are also observed in Iranian hospitals and health centers, where data and metadata quality management are key dimensions for evaluating data governance.

SIM plan serves as the link between data governance principles and operational objectives. Evidence shows that strategic planning of health information systems improves decision-making efficiency and information system effectiveness, while aligning investments with health goals.

In the era of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and personalized medicine, the required infrastructure is none other than a coherent Strategic Information Management (SIM) Plan based on data governance. Without clear policies, standardized processes, and decision-making structures for data management, leveraging these technologies would be impossible. Therefore, establishing health information standards and frameworks within Health Information Systems (HIS) in Iran – as one of the main outputs of the SIM Plan – can lead to the following outcomes:

In the era of emerging technologies, moving toward artificial intelligence, big data, and personalized medicine requires an infrastructure that can only be achieved through a coherent strategic plan. Establishing health information standards and frameworks within HIS in Iran can lead to the following outcomes: Increased coordination among health projects and units; Prevention of fragmented investments; Ensuring resource optimization and improved policy decision-making;

Policymakers, managers, and researchers in the health sector should prioritize the development of locally adapted SIM plan frameworks based on data governance. This step will be an effective move toward a data-driven, agile, and evidence-based health system in Iran.