End User Computing and FileMaker Pro Observed From the Viewpoint of Hospital Information System Management

FileMaker Pro (FMP) which is often used for end user computing. It is a software characterized by not only user-friendliness and ease of customization, but it also has an additional aspect, being a database management software. Some general observations with regard to this topic are stated as follows: why software programs are used to this extent, what major purposes they serve for users, and whether there are any issues associated with using this type of user-friendly software program. Following are the 3 purposes of implementing FMP; 1) economical reasons, 2) where detailed development is expected to reflect user requirements, 3) as a prototype for contracts and creation. There has been a rapid progress in the information and communication technology (ICT) at hospitals in Japan for the last 10 years. In such an environment, software programs such as FMP, which is user-friendly and easy for users to customize on their own, plays a vital role. It is anticipated that it will establish itself as a software program with expandability, enabling smooth communication with vendors, rather than being viewed as a software program that poses a threat to vendors.

Keywords: Hospital information system (HIS), end user computing (EUC), system management, FileMaker, database management software, userfriendliness, customization, economic, user requirements, prototype, information and communication technology (ICT).