Health informatics combines information technology and healthcare to develop efficient and secure ways to manage health information. Its main goal is to create a standard approach to healthcare worldwide, using a range of tools including computers, software, and clinical directives. It can improve operational efficiencies in clinical, administrative, and financial functions, and help medical professionals make better decisions. Challenges include engaging medical service providers and addressing legal matters. Jobs in this field require specific training in health sciences or IT management.
Health informatics is a general field and discipline that is basically a combination of information technology and health care. It mainly consists of computer systems and software programs with the main objective of developing more efficient and user-friendly ways to control stored health information, manage clinical workflow tasks, and improve overall health information security. This type of information technology is largely related to technology, but it also requires a high degree of specialization for the world of medicine. In some ways it’s similar to other types of computing, like for sales or business operations, but in others, particularly around privacy and data sensitivity, it’s very different. It also has to evolve at the same rate as technology and healthcare, which often means it’s constantly evolving.
Main goals
Computer science generally looks for ways to use technology to simplify data sets and information, and things are no different in healthcare. The biggest distinction between this and other related fields is the nature of the information that is stored and accessed.
One of the major goals of health informatics is to formulate a standard approach to healthcare worldwide. This would ideally include a streamlined system for storing health information in nearly any form. The data is organized in relation to patients, to different diseases and treatments, to practices and advice, so they are made more or less universally available. Researchers, providers and patients are all involved to varying degrees. In an ideal system, the different IT tools, techniques, concepts, and protocols will influence not only how care is delivered, but can also help shape best practices in diagnosing and treating patients.
Technology involved
In most cases many different tools are used together to create the necessary networks and infrastructure. Computers and software programs are among the most common, but a range of Internet network devices, online communication platforms and cloud storage systems enter the mix depending on the provider and individual capabilities.
However, the tools needed aren’t just limited to information technology. Systems must also allow for the assimilation of clinical directives, the understanding of formal medical jargon, the archiving of data and the transmission of clear communications. Medical informatics can be applied in all types of healthcare settings, including primary care, general practice, hospital care, and rehabilitation. It is also inclusive of many of the specialties in the healthcare field.
Operational efficiencies
These types of information systems can be used to create greater operational efficiencies in three key healthcare functions: clinical, administrative and financial. For example, health informatics is central to the movement to reduce costs and improve patient care by implementing a standardized system for electronic health records. It is also a key to expanding development of health information systems for billing, clinical research, client scheduling and medical information exchange.
Medical professionals can also take advantage of these kinds of systems as a way to try and make better decisions. Health-related knowledge appears to be growing exponentially, and many computing platforms include so-called “clinical decision support systems” (CDSS). The CDSSs are designed to help professionals stay abreast of new trends and diagnostic models. Related tools called “electronic prescribing systems” (EPS) eliminate the need for handwritten prescriptions and minimize errors. Computing also enables data mining to determine the effectiveness of drugs, which can lower the cost of treatments, reduce errors, and help further advances in the quality of care.
Important challenges
Many experts agree that one of the industry’s biggest challenges is engaging medical service providers in the widespread implementation of the various components of information technology. Universal accessibility and streamlining can make things more efficient, but only if systems are designed to truly work together and run smoothly. This may require some network engineering and long-term commitments from many healthcare stakeholders.
Legal matters also usually require attention. Different jurisdictions have different rules when it comes to issues such as healthcare privacy, ethics, and the sharing of identifying information online or over computer networks. Computer engineers usually need to be aware of the rules in any jurisdiction it touches the network, and vendors and technicians usually need to receive training on how to use computerized and digitized systems within the parameters permitted by law.
As a career field
There are many different types of jobs in this field, although the specifics of what professionals do and how they should be trained vary slightly based on the particular job. Many of the people responsible for building the infrastructure initially come primarily from computer science and computer engineering backgrounds and typically have a college-level education. In reality, implementing the systems in a doctor’s office, billing suite, or hospital requires different skills, as well as training staff to use the system’s many tools. These types of jobs most often require specific training in health sciences or IT management. Many universities offer degree or certificate programs in these areas.
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