The field of health informatics is constantly evolving, blending technology with the healthcare system and businesses to improve patient care outcomes and population health.
Health informatics manages, analyzes and uses healthcare data to streamline workflow processes with the goal of improving the quality and safety of patient care. There are several facets to healthcare informatics, including electronic health records (EHR), digital tools for remote healthcare, clinical decision support systems, data privacy and security, and interoperability.
Recently, there has been an explosive growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector. Generative AI uses computer information technology to mimic human intelligence and can learn, automate tasks, solve problems, analyze patient data, make decisions and provide insights to healthcare providers. AI can be used in the healthcare industry from appointment scheduling to analyzing medical images, to assisting in complex surgical procedures.
Health informatics uses AI tools to assist with the analysis of large datasets, identifying trends and predicting risks for population health management. AI is also integrated into EHR systems and clinical decision support systems to provide data-driven information during patient care directly to the healthcare provider. Digital health informatic tools and AI applications work together to collect, monitor, and analyze health data from digital tools, such as wearable devices which track patients’ conditions and provide intervention as necessary.
However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed with the use of AI technology in health informatics including ethical issues, privacy and security concerns with handling health information, data quality and the lack of a trained workforce. Additionally, AI systems produce results depending on the data they are provided. Healthcare professionals need to understand how to use health informatics and AI to ensure they are providing the high-quality data that is needed to achieve accurate, usable results.
AI systems are transforming the healthcare industry, bringing with it unique challenges to be faced. While AI provides significant improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, healthcare organizations must tackle ethical questions and the growing need for skilled professionals. For individuals interested in growing with this evolving field, obtaining a health informatics degree from Logan University can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to excel.
While challenges remain, the potential of AI promises to reshape the future of healthcare, making it more efficient, accessible and tailored to individual needs.