Abstract: Certain embodiments present a system for managing access to patient data in a clinical information system that uses software applications, and a context manager that facilitates the sharing of context among the applications. The system has one access point, or a computer workstation terminal, allowing for user interaction with said at least two software applications. A centralized database stores information relating to patient data and user attempts to access patient data by the software applications. A first context identification module assigns a context label to each access attempt, and a second context identification module assigns a context label to data gathered by the software applications. An auditor regulates relationships between the software applications manager and provides a user interface enabling access to the centralized database.