scope:

Aim

The aim of this document is to describe a concept of MedCIS for Allied combined/ joint operations that is consistent with the principles and policies that necessitate medical data transfer and aggregation, while taking into account the development of multinational operational integration. 

Management of medical data and information is a fundamental aspect of medical support. Adequate documentation of medical care given, health status and location of personnel and environmental threats is part of a continuum of patient treatment and care, and is therefore, a medical responsibility. NATO Principles and Policies of Medical Support (MC 326/3) notes that:

"At all times, nations remain the risk owners; therefore they retain their legal duty of care as an employer of their military. However, upon Transfer of Authority, the NATO commander shares that responsibility. Increasingly, due to national capability shortfalls, medical support is delivered via multinational solutions, gradually shifting responsibility more to the NATO commander."

Now more than ever, the NATO Force Commander must have access to medical information on the health and status of the force. To achieve the NATO Commander's objectives, MedCIS principles will be considered and applied throughout an operation or campaign. Proper application of these principles will ensure that MedCIS contain the essential elements needed to effective function under a wide variety of conditions. Thus, a functioning MedCIS is critical to enabling the NATO Commander to achieve the mission.