Introduction to Health Informatics
by Nolwazi Mbananga

Abstract
Health management and clinical practice in the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century have been characterized by a paradigm shift towards the development of new technologies. These technological advances have taken different forms globally, and have been evolving at various levels. These changes naturally bring with them challenges for governments and health workers, in general; and this is particularly true in the South African context, where both the government and its health personnel are in the pursuit of more effective health services and better strategies of intervention. There are a number of aspects in this paradigm shift in the health environment, but this book focuses on Health Information and Informatics and all that goes with them, such as health information systems, research, and training. 

It is apparent that the implementation and effectiveness of an integrated Hospital Information System (HIS) in South Africa and elsewhere are becoming impossible without an understanding of how these systems work among health workers (Mbananga et al., 2001).  The Information and Informatics (I-Informatics) skills and knowledge among health workers are now being used to extend the scope and integration of hospital services rather than simply computerising its processes. The implementation of an integrated HIS is essential in engineering hospitals into patient- focused organizations that meet the expectations of patients as well as those of legislation (Blackmon, 1982). Furthermore, it is becoming clear that the management of hospitals will be impossible without those skilled in information sciences or what South Africans call ‘informaticians’.

It is therefore relevant that South Africa should work towards health information science to produce professionals with skills to develop and drive these systems.

 South Africans, particularly those in the Department of Health, have done substantial work, which has been developed and implemented over the past five years in the area of health management information systems (SA Health Review, 1998). Within the past years, some provinces have started implementing integrated hospital information systems in public hospitals. The process has been rapid; and within a short time, the primary health care level will be receiving its own information system.

Over the past twenty years, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has grown to achieve unanticipated levels of sophistication. The use of ICT has taken a different direction, owing to the demands and needs in various sectors of government and among the public. The utilization of ICT has ranged from astronomy, to medicine and health, to telecommunications, as well as to many other spheres not mentioned in this book.  Health is one area that has used and invested a lot of money in ICTs in South Africa. Health information systems have been extensively implemented both in developed and developing countries. In South Africa, all provinces have implemented information systems of one kind or another. The commonly implemented information system is the Management Information System (MIS). This kind of system has been implemented by the National Office throughout the nine provinces and right down to district and hospital levels. There are provinces that have taken a step further to implement information systems for some aspects of Primary Health Care (PHC), especially in Gauteng province.  As a result of information systems implementation, health professionals have increasingly been in contact with more ICTs in their environment. Also, some health professionals in South Africa have access to computers, as well as information communication technology, such as email and video-conferencing, including Telemedicine.

In view of these changes in the health environment, it has become important that health professionals keep up with the development of ICT and Information Systems (IS) that is taking place within their area of practice.  There is no doubt today that many countries have seen some form of benefits of IS in rendering and improving health services generally. There is an increasing emphasis on cost-effective health care provision. This necessitates a sound knowledge of the available human and material resources, of the clinical activities being undertaken; and it demands more evidence on the outcomes of health care activities. The implementation of IS has a major role to play in supporting the information needs of health professionals and managers.

Health care involves extensive information processing for effective decision-making and for the management of patient care. Health professionals and policy-makers need timely and reliable information that will assist them in making sound decisions. It is important to have access to information in different formats (paper and electronic), information systems and locations. Ideally, where health information systems are in place, information is expected to be readily available, but this is not always the case. The implementation of Health Information Systems (HIS) in the health environment makes it imperative that health professionals acquire both the skills and the ability to use the systems, to access, interpret, and utilize information appropriately in order to render optimal health care.  A hospital information system is not about computerising hospitals, but integrated activities leading to a virtual environment that will guarantee safety and total patient care.

This book is an introduction to health informatics for Health Professionals and Information Managers who have no background in the subject at all.

First edition: Notoro Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa, 2007
Copyrights @2006 by Nolwazi Mbananga
ISBN 10: 0-620-37508-6
ISBN 13: 978-0-620-37508-5