Health Informatics Specialists
What is a Health Informatics Specialist?
Health Informatics Specialists are professionals who bridge the gap between healthcare and information technology. They focus on managing and analyzing health information systems to improve patient care and outcomes. These specialists work with various health data, including patient records, clinical information, and public health data, ensuring that it is accurate, secure, and used effectively. They play a critical role in implementing and optimizing electronic health records (EHRs), supporting healthcare providers in adopting technology that enhances decision-making processes and patient engagement.
In addition to their technical expertise, Health Informatics Specialists often collaborate with healthcare professionals, IT teams, and administrators to develop policies and procedures that promote effective health information management. Their work supports various healthcare initiatives, including telemedicine, data analytics, and health information exchange, ultimately contributing to the efficient operation of healthcare systems and better health outcomes for patients. With the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare, the role of Health Informatics Specialists is becoming increasingly vital as they navigate the complexities of health data and its applications in clinical settings.
Tasks
- Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques.
- Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems.
- Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
- Analyze and interpret patient, nursing, or information systems data to improve nursing services.
- Identify, collect, record, or analyze data relevant to the nursing care of patients.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software
- Analytical or scientific software
Tools Used
- Notebook computers
- Medical picture archiving computer systems PACS
- Liquid crystal display projector
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Desktop computers
- Special purpose telephones
Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Detailed Work Activities
- Communicate project information to others.
- Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.
- Design healthcare-related software applications.
- Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$63230.0 - $165700.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.