Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become one of the more actively explored innovations in the design of modern electronic health records, promising gains in efficiency and reliability that legacy, largely manual approaches have struggled to deliver.

Despite this potential, many existing electronic health records were not originally designed with geographic information systems (GIS) in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in fraud detection accuracy that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Current electronic health records in many organizations struggle with inadequate fraud detection accuracy, often relying on manual processes or outdated architectures that were not designed for today's operating environment. Without a structured approach to integrating geographic information systems (GIS), these limitations are likely to persist, exposing organizations to inefficiency, risk, and a poor user experience. This study is motivated by the need to design and evaluate a geographic information systems (GIS)-based approach to addressing this problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a geographic information systems (GIS)-based approach to improving fraud detection accuracy in electronic health records.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in enhancing fraud detection accuracy within electronic health records.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying geographic information systems (GIS) in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can geographic information systems (GIS) be applied to improve fraud detection accuracy in electronic health records?
2. How effective is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at enhancing fraud detection accuracy within electronic health records?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying geographic information systems (GIS) in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in geographic information systems (GIS) for their own electronic health records, and contributes to the broader literature on applied software technology / IT by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a geographic information systems (GIS)-based approach to improving fraud detection accuracy within electronic health records. Reflecting its clearly defined scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.