The process of deriving a system's functional requirements from users' needs is described as:

• A. Systems design
• B. Feasibility study
• C. Requirements gathering
• D. System testing

Answer: (C)

Requirements gathering is the process of eliciting, collecting, and documenting what users need the system to do. It involves talking with clinicians, administrators, and other stakeholders, observing workflows, and analyzing tasks to capture functional capabilities, data needs, and constraints. The goal is to produce a clear specification that describes the exact functions the system must support, how it should behave, and the information it must handle, so the final product truly aligns with users’ work processes and patient care goals. This step is distinct from design, which translates those requirements into a system blueprint; from feasibility assessment, which weighs whether the project can be done within constraints; and from testing, which verifies the system meets the stated requirements after development.