Health Management Information Systems: Health Informatics - Lecture A

Introduction

• Health Informatics Definition:
  • Introduction to healthcare applications and systems.
  • Covers technology standards, data structures, and enterprise architecture in healthcare.
• Lecture Objectives:
  • Define key terms: information management, systems, technology, and informatics.
  • Explain fundamental informatics theorem.
  • Discuss biomedical and health informatics.
  • Overview of informatics drivers and trends in healthcare.

Key Definitions

Information Management

• Defined by AHIMA (2012): Involves generation, collection, organization, validation, and storage of data.
• Focus on health information management: Ensures availability, accuracy, and protection of health information.

Information System/Technology

• Defined by AHIMA (2012): Automated systems using hardware and software for data processing.
• Health Information Technology (HIT) as per U.S. Department of Health (2009): Deals with storage, retrieval, sharing of healthcare information.

Informatics

• Defined by Bernstam, Smith & Johnson (2009): Science of data with meaning.
• Focuses on optimal use and meaningful data.

DIKW Hierarchy

• Data: Simple symbols or facts.
• Information: Contextualized data.
• Knowledge: Information with meaning.
• Wisdom: Evaluated understanding.
• Central to informatics: Processing data into meaningful information.

Fundamental Theorem of Informatics

• Dr. Friedman's Theorem: Person + Information Resource > Person
• Interaction between person and information resources enhances decision-making and task completion.

Biomedical Informatics (BMI)

• Definition by AMIA: Interdisciplinary field using biomedical data for scientific inquiry and decision-making.
• Definition by Shortliff and Bloy: Deals with storage, retrieval, and use of biomedical information.

Health Informatics

• AMIA Perspective: Applied research and practice across clinical and public health.
• AHIMA: Management of health data through computer technologies.

Biomedical Informatics Subfields

• Public Health Informatics: Focus on population and societal health issues.
• Clinical Informatics: Application in patient care.
• Imaging Informatics: Digital imaging and analysis.
• Bioinformatics: Molecular and cellular information processes.

Informatics Drivers and Trends

• ARRA and HITECH Provisions: Major driver of health informatics.
• E-health and EMRs/EHRs Adoption: Critical tools for healthcare improvement.
• Health Information Exchange (HIE): Secure electronic movement of health data.

Conclusion

• Informatics connects information science with healthcare to improve patient care and decision-making.
• Trends like e-health and electronic records are shaping the future of health informatics.

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These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the key topics covered in "What is Health Informatics?" Lecture A, focusing on definitions, theorems, subfields, and trends in the field.