Better Communication, Cooperation and Coordination Needed in Department of Defense Development of Its Tri-Service Medical Information System Program

Gao ID: LCD-76-117 October 6, 1976

An analysis of the Department of Defense (DOD) Tri-Service Medical Information System (TRIMIS) revealed problems in design and development.

The system was intended to improve DOD health care delivery through a combined automated system for the three services. The system has been operating for more than 2 years at an expenditure of over $14 million. The program was initiated without the necessary management and cooperation needed for success. In spite of some management improvement, the services are still working independently. The program will cost $504 million through fiscal year 1982. Successful development and utilization of TRIMIS depends on the establishment of detailed user requirements, more uniformity, and improved management. If service differences can be resolved, the Assistant Secretaries of Defense should be directed to reorganize TRIMIS and to designate a project manager with increased responsibility, establish evaluation criteria, standardize procedures, and conduct analyses. If a sound basis is established, requirements should include review, control, and reevaluation.



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