Data, information, knowledge: The emerging field of health informatics

Abstract

Editor's Summary The area of health informatics applies information science methods to analyze and understand health care information, to progress from raw data to knowledge, for improved problem solving, decision‐making and care delivery. With the field still relatively young and subspecialties already branching off, the terminology and scope continue to evolve. The fundamental model is shifting from treatment of an illness to wellness and disease prevention and viewing an individual's daily life in the broad context of factors that influence health. As the field takes shape, professional education is typically originating in health education for the informatician or in information science and technology for the health informaticist, with complementary coursework to expand understanding of and competency in the interdisciplinary field. The rapid growth and high demand for health informatics is stimulating an expansion of educational opportunities with degrees at all levels both in the United States and at international institutions. Conferences, professional publications and online resources on the topic multiply, serving those interested in making health informatics a career.