Health Informatics - UNIT 1

Introduction to health informatics and its significance

Health informatics is the field of information science concerned with management of
healthcare data and information through the application of computers and other technologies.
In reality, it is more about applying information in the healthcare field than it is about
technology

The definition of health informatics is dynamic because the field is relatively new and rapidly
changing. The following are several definitions frequently cited:

 Science of information, where information is defined as data with meaning.

Biomedical informatics is the science of information applied to, or studied in the
context of biomedicine. Some, but not all of this information is also knowledge”3
 scientific field that deals with resources, devices and formalized methods for
optimizing the storage, retrieval and management of biomedical information for
problem solving and decision making”4
 application of computers, communications and information technology and systems to
all fields of medicine - medical care, medical education and medical research

Significance of Health Informatics:

1. Improved Patient Care and Outcomes:

 Health informatics facilitates the efficient management of patient records,

enabling healthcare professionals to access and analyze relevant information
quickly. This leads to better-informed decision-making, personalized treatment
plans, and ultimately improved patient care and outcomes.

2. Enhanced Data Management:

 Health informatics helps streamline the storage and retrieval of vast amounts
of health-related data. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) centralize patient
information, making it easily accessible to authorized healthcare providers.
This improves coordination of care and reduces the likelihood of errors.

3. Efficiency and Cost Savings:

 Automation of administrative tasks, such as billing and scheduling, contributes

to increased efficiency in healthcare facilities. This not only reduces the
administrative burden but also helps in cost savings, allowing resources to be
allocated more effectively.

4. Clinical Decision Support:

  Health informatics tools provide clinicians with decision support systems that
offer evidence-based recommendations, alerts for potential issues, and access
to the latest research. This assists healthcare professionals in making informed
decisions, leading to better patient care.

5. Population Health Management:

 By analyzing aggregated health data, health informatics contributes to

population health management. It helps identify trends, patterns, and risk
factors, enabling healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and
public health interventions.

Key concepts in health informatics

Health informatics is fundamentally concerned with managing healthcare data and
information. The hierarchy of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom illustrates the
transformation and utilization of information in the field.

1. Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom Hierarchy

 Data are symbols or observations reflecting differences in the world. Data are
the plural of datum (singular). Thus, a datum is the lowest level of abstraction,
such as a number in a database (e.g. 5), or packets sent across a network (e.g.
10010100). Note that there is no meaning associated with data
 Information is meaningful data or facts from which conclusions can be drawn
by humans or computers. For example, five fingers has meaning in that it is
the number of fingers on a normal human hand. Modern computers do not
process information, they process data.
 Knowledge is information that is justifiably considered to be true. For
example, a rising prostate specific antigen (PSA) level suggests an increased
likelihood of prostate cancer.
 Wisdom is the critical use of knowledge to make intelligent decisions and to
work through situations of signal versus noise. For example, a rising PSA
could mean prostate infection and not cancer.

2. Biomedical Informatics: Biomedical informatics is a broader term that includes

bioinformatics, medical, dental, nursing, public health, pharmacy, medical imaging,
and veterinary informatics. It involves the effective use of biomedical information and
knowledge to improve human health. The interdisciplinary nature of biomedical
informatics is crucial as healthcare integrates genetics into daily practice.
 Bioinformatics is sub-field of biomedical informatics that is concerned with
biological data, particularly DNA and genomic information, as opposed to
clinical, public health or other data.
 Health information technology (HIT or healthIT) is defined as the application
of computers and technology in healthcare settings.
 Health information management (HIM) traditionally focused on the paper
medical record and coding. With the advent of the electronic health record
 HIM specialists now have to deal with a new set of issues, such as privacy and
multiple new concepts such as voice recognition.

Background disciplines
The integration of technology into various industries, including healthcare, was inevitable
given the widespread adoption of technology in businesses. This convergence of medicine
and technology has led to the emergence of health informatics. The background disciplines
contributing to the development of health informatics are highlighted in the provided
information:

1. Health Information Technology Functions: Health information technology (HIT)

plays a crucial role in processing, transmitting, and analyzing information in
healthcare organizations. It interacts with key functions in healthcare, serving as a
common thread and contributing to the creation of standards for hospital certification.
2. Standardization of Medical Care: The recognition that wide variation in medical
practice cannot be justified has led to a movement to standardize care for common
and expensive conditions. Computerized clinical practice guidelines are utilized to
provide advice at the point of care.
3. Influence of Technology Diffusion and Disruptive Innovations: The natural
diffusion of technology, such as wireless and voice recognition, exerts influence on
the practice of medicine. Disruptive innovations, like mobile technology, can quickly
replace mainstream technologies, leading to continuous technological advancements
in healthcare.
4. Electronic Health Record (EHR) as a Centerpiece: The EHR is considered the
centerpiece of health informatics, potentially improving patient safety, medical
quality, productivity, and data retrieval. It is expected to become the focal point of all
patient encounters, incorporating standalone programs like electronic prescribing,
patient education, genetic profiles, disease registries, and artificial intelligence.
5. Importance of Data: The introduction of EHRs is generating voluminous healthcare
data, leading to an "explosion of data." Large-scale data mining from organizations
can support evidence-based decision-making in healthcare, emphasizing the
importance of pooling data for statistical significance.
6. Government Initiatives and Health Data Sharing: Government initiatives, such as
the Presidential Open Government Directive and programs like Data.gov and
HealthData.gov, promote the sharing of health-related data. Health Datapalooza and
the Health Data Consortium facilitate collaboration to improve healthcare quality and
safety.
7. HITECH Act of 2009 and Affordable Care Act: The HITECH Act of 2009 provides
substantial financial support for EHRs, health information exchange, and a skilled
HIT workforce. The Affordable Care Act of 2010, including accountable care
organizations (ACOs), introduces technology requirements impacting healthcare.

Historical Overview
Health informatics has evolved over the last three decades, with roots tracing back to the
1950s. Technological advances, from personal computers to the internet and mobile
technology, have shaped its trajectory.

Key Developments:

1. Computers: The first general-purpose computer (ENIAC) emerged in 1946, paving

the way for personal computers in the 1980s. Initial skepticism about their popularity
was later proven wrong.

2. Informatics Emergence: The term "medical informatics" originated in the 1960s in

France. Gustav Wagner founded the first informatics professional organization in
1949.

3. MEDLINE: In the mid-1960s, MEDLINE and MEDLARS revolutionized medical

literature organization, providing a significant leap forward for researchers.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI medical projects like MYCIN and INTERNIST-1

surfaced in the 1970s and 1980s. AI experienced periods of flourishing research and
setbacks (AI winters).

5. Internet: The ARPANET project in 1969 laid the groundwork for the internet. Tim
Berners-Lee conceptualized the World Wide Web in 1990, influencing digital medical
libraries and electronic health records.

6. Electronic Health Record (EHR): EHR discussions began in the 1970s, gaining
traction after the Institute of Medicine's endorsement in 1991.

7. Mobile Technology: The PalmPilot PDA in 1996 marked the onset of handheld
computing devices, later surpassed by smartphones like the iPhone.

8. Human Genome Project: Completed in 2003, this international collaboration

mapped all human genes, a monumental achievement in scientific history.

9. Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN): Initiated in 2004 and later

renamed the eHealth Exchange, this project aims to connect all electronic health
records, health information organizations, and government agencies.

Current Landscape: Health information technology (HIT) has become integral to various
medical players, influencing healthcare reform and shaping the future of medicine.

Future challenges
1. Financial and Resource Barriers:

 Financial Constraints: Limited investment was a major barrier to HIT

adoption until the implementation of HITECH.
  Resource Challenges: Busy clinicians lacked time and were not reimbursed
adequately to become technology experts, relying on external support and
champions for advice.

2. Information Quality and Expertise Gap:

 Information vs. Data: Current HIT systems were deemed data-rich but
information-poor, highlighting the need for systems that provide meaningful
information.

 Workforce Shortage: The shortage of skilled health informaticians (51,000

estimated over five years) was identified as a significant barrier to widespread
HIT adoption, necessitating extensive education programs.

3. Educational Needs:

 Workforce Education: Comprehensive education programs were identified as

crucial, extending from universities and community colleges to medical,
nursing, and pharmacy schools.

4. Interoperability Challenges:

 Data Standards: Lack of nationwide adoption and implementation of data

standards hindered interoperability between electronic health records (EHRs)
and the Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN).

5. Cost and Return on Investment Concerns:

 Economic Barriers: High costs associated with HIT adoption, such as the
estimated $156 billion for a Nationwide Health Information Network, raised
concerns about the long-term financial sustainability. Limited evidence of cost
savings further complicated the adoption landscape.

6. Workflow Changes and Usability:

 Resistance to Workflow Changes: Integration of technology required

significant changes in workflow, with clinicians, especially older users, facing
difficulties in adapting.

 Usability Concerns: Poor usability emerged as a critical impediment to

effective workflow.

7. Privacy and Legal Issues:

 HIPAA Challenges: Privacy concerns were amplified by the Health Insurance

Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) updates, leading to increased
scrutiny and potential angst.
  Legal Hurdles: Stark and Anti-kickback laws posed challenges in sharing
technology, hindering collaboration between hospital systems and referring
physicians.

Knowledge hierarchy
Informatics, the fusion of information, biomedicine, and technology, is the scientific
discipline that drives the understanding of this complex interaction. Practitioners in this field
are referred to as informaticians or informaticists, such as a nurse informaticist. At the core of
the information sciences lies a crucial hierarchy, illustrated in the pyramid, underscoring the
prevalence of data compared to information, knowledge, or wisdom.

In this hierarchy:

 Data: Data are symbols or observations reflecting distinctions in the world. They
represent the raw, unprocessed elements, like numbers in a database (e.g., 5) or
packets sent across a network (e.g., 10010100). Notably, data lack inherent meaning
and can signify various things, illustrating the challenge of processing them accurately
and rapidly in modern computers.

 Information: Information emerges when data acquire meaning. It constitutes

meaningful data or facts from which conclusions can be drawn by both humans and
computers. For instance, the concept of "five fingers" has significance, representing
the count of fingers on a standard human hand. It's important to note that while
computers excel at processing data, the meaningful interpretation of information
poses a fundamental challenge in informatics.

 Knowledge: Knowledge is a refined form of information, deemed justifiably true. For

example, recognizing that a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level suggests an
elevated likelihood of prostate cancer illustrates knowledge in the medical domain.

 Wisdom: Wisdom involves the judicious application of knowledge to make

intelligent decisions, especially in navigating situations involving signal and noise.
 For instance, interpreting a rising PSA requires wisdom, as it could signify not only
prostate cancer but also a prostate infection.

Understanding and navigating this hierarchy are central to leveraging the full potential of
informatics, emphasizing the importance of progressing from raw data to meaningful
information, reliable knowledge, and ultimately informed wisdom.

Types of healthcare information

In healthcare, information can be categorized based on its source and origin into internal and
external data and information. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for healthcare
organizations to effectively manage and utilize diverse sources of information. Here are the
types:

1. Internal Healthcare Information:

 Definition: Internal healthcare information refers to data and information

generated, collected, and managed within a specific healthcare organization or
system. This includes data generated during patient care, administrative
processes, and internal operations.

 Examples:

 Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Patient health records maintained

within the healthcare institution's system.

 Administrative Data: Information related to scheduling, billing, and

resource management within the organization.

 Clinical Data: Data collected during patient consultations, diagnostic

tests, and treatment.

2. External Healthcare Information:

 Definition: External healthcare information comes from sources outside the

healthcare organization. It can include data and information from other
healthcare providers, public health agencies, research institutions, and external
databases.

 Examples:

 Health Information Exchanges (HIEs): Platforms that facilitate the

sharing of patient information among different healthcare
organizations.
  Public Health Data: Information collected by government agencies or
public health organizations, including epidemiological data and disease
surveillance.

 Research Data: Data from clinical trials, studies, and research

conducted by external entities.

3. Information:

 Definition: In healthcare, information is the meaningful interpretation and

application of data. It is the result of analyzing and processing data to derive
insights, make informed decisions, and enhance patient care. Information adds
context and relevance to raw data.

 Examples:

 Diagnosis and Treatment Plans: Interpreted data from diagnostic tests

and patient assessments that inform medical decisions.

 Performance Reports: Summarized data on healthcare outcomes,

patient satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

 Research Synthesis: Analysis and interpretation of external research

findings to inform medical practices.

 Purpose: Information in healthcare is aimed at improving decision-making,

enhancing patient outcomes, and contributing to the continuous improvement
of healthcare processes. It transforms raw data into actionable insights.

Quality assessment of health care data

Quality assessment of healthcare data is crucial to ensure accuracy, reliability, and usefulness
of the information for clinical decision-making, research, and overall healthcare management.
The assessment involves evaluating various aspects of data, including completeness,
accuracy, consistency, timeliness, and relevance. Here are key components and considerations
for quality assessment in healthcare data:

1. Data Accuracy:

 Definition: Accuracy assesses the correctness of data, ensuring that

information reflects the true values or conditions.

 Assessment Methods:

 Double-Entry Verification: Entering data twice independently and

comparing the two entries to identify discrepancies.
  Cross-Verification with Source Documents: Checking data against
original source documents, such as patient records or laboratory
reports.

2. Data Completeness:

 Definition: Completeness evaluates whether all necessary data elements are

present and filled out.

 Assessment Methods:

 Reviewing Data Entry Forms: Ensuring that all required fields are
completed during data entry.

 Periodic Audits: Conducting routine audits to identify and address

missing data elements.

3. Data Consistency:

 Definition: Consistency assesses whether data values are uniform and follow
predefined standards.

 Assessment Methods:

 Cross-Validation: Checking data against established rules and

standards to identify any inconsistencies.

 Logical Checks: Examining relationships between different data

elements to ensure coherence.

4. Timeliness of Data:

 Definition: Timeliness evaluates how promptly data is recorded and made

available for use.

 Assessment Methods:

 Monitoring Data Entry Lag: Assessing the time elapsed between data
occurrence and entry.

 Analyzing Reporting Schedules: Ensuring that data is reported within

established timeframes.

5. Relevance of Data:

 Definition: Relevance assesses whether the collected data are appropriate and
useful for the intended purpose.

 Assessment Methods:
  Stakeholder Feedback: Gathering input from healthcare professionals,
researchers, and decision-makers regarding the usefulness of data.

 Periodic Review: Regularly reviewing data elements to ensure they

align with current healthcare needs.

6. Data Integrity:

 Definition: Data integrity ensures the overall accuracy, consistency, and

reliability of the entire dataset.

 Assessment Methods:

 Hash Functions and Checksums: Using algorithms to generate unique

identifiers (hashes) for datasets, enabling verification of data integrity.

 Data Encryption: Protecting data during transmission and storage to

prevent unauthorized alterations.

7. Data Security and Privacy Compliance:

 Definition: Assessing adherence to security and privacy regulations to protect

sensitive healthcare information.

 Assessment Methods:

 Regular Security Audits: Conducting audits to identify vulnerabilities

and ensure compliance with security protocols.

 Staff Training: Ensuring that healthcare staff is trained on data security

and privacy practices.

8. Interoperability:

 Definition: Evaluating the ability of systems to exchange and use data

seamlessly across different platforms.

 Assessment Methods:

 Standardization: Ensuring that data follows industry standards and can

be easily integrated into various healthcare systems.

 Compatibility Testing: Verifying the interoperability of systems

through testing scenarios.

Regular quality assessment processes should be integrated into healthcare data management
practices to address evolving needs and ensure ongoing data reliability and integrity.
Continuous monitoring, feedback mechanisms, and the incorporation of technological
advancements contribute to sustaining high-quality healthcare data.