Transformed roles for a transformed healthcare system: Where do clinical informaticists fit in now?

Abstract

Healthcare has a long history; computers being routinely used in healthcare can be traced back to the 1970s when they began to be used in the patient billing area, but clinical informaticists only go back to the 1990s. Although a short time period, they have evolved many times over. Guided by new technologies and new regulations, clinical informaticists are at the forefront of the integration of clinical medicine and information systems given a healthcare industry so dependent on data. They also work with many interdisciplinary partners whose roles themselves are evolving such as the Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Quality Officer. How will the Informaticist drive the healthcare system into the future as their roles evolve? The answer will have an impact on role of data, information technology, and information systems on an evolving healthcare delivery system.