What defines the boundary between a system and its surrounding environment?

The term "boundary" is used in systems theory to clearly delineate the limits of a system in relation to its environment. In a systems context, the boundary is what separates the system from external factors, indicating what is included within the system and what lies outside of it. This definition is crucial in health informatics as it helps to identify and manage the inputs, processes, and outputs of the health information system while considering interactions with external elements such as regulatory standards, users, and other systems.

Choosing "boundary" captures the concept of defining this critical separation in a way that is universally understood in both technical and non-technical discussions. This clarity is essential for effective analysis, modeling, and managing health informatics systems, as understanding the environment and constraints around a system directly affects its functionality and interoperability. Other terms like "threshold," "limit," and "perimeter" might be used in specific contexts but do not generally convey the systemic definition of the interface between a system and its surrounding environment as effectively as "boundary."