What Are the Types of Health Informatics That Exist in Healthcare?

Health informatics combines computer science and health science into a usable form of information for people in the medical profession. Just as there are many branches of medical professionals, there are many types of health informatics. Each branch of health care uses information technology to collect data, share it and sort it into many usable avenues.

Clinical Informatics

• This branch of health informatics helps clinicians share information with each other to give a complete picture of the patient. Radiologist, pharmacists, doctors and nurses can all access pertinent clinical information without having to order unnecessary or duplicate tests. The information remains on the patient record to offer a complete health history for the patient.

Nursing Informatics

• Nursing informatics integrates the science of nursing with computer technology. Nurses can enter large amounts of data, and quickly see any developing trends that could signal a problem. Nurses can also access test results and pharmacy orders. This helps them manage large amounts of health information about each patient and leads to better patient outcomes.

Pharmacy Informatics

• Medication choice and administration is a large part of patient care. Being aware of possible interactions and allergies, as well being up-to-date on drug recalls is managed by technology. Doctors can send their orders directly to the pharmacy via computer networks; the pharmacists are alerted to any possible problems the medication can cause for the patient. This lowers the risk of patients having adverse reactions. Scanning both the medication package and the coded name band on the patient is another way health informatics has increased patient safety. Bar code technology is used to make sure the patient receives the proper medication at bedside.

Telehealth

• Using electronic telecommunication to provide care is one way health care informatics is changing the way patients can reach specialists. Video conferencing and streaming media allow specialists from large hospital centers to share their expertise with people in smaller hospital settings. Home telehealth devices can send information directly to the doctor or laboratory for interpretation. Vital signs, heart monitors and blood sugar tests can be sent via wireless communications to help professionals monitor patients who cannot easily travel to health care centers.