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Computer science education for medical informaticians.
Judith R Logan1, Susan L Price
1Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
International Journal of Medical Informatics
|April 6, 2004
Summary
Medical informatics education needs strong computer science (CS) skills. Database management, data analysis, and web technologies are crucial for professionals in this field.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Computer Science Education
Background:
- The core curriculum for medical informaticians is under continuous discussion.
- Varying educational backgrounds of Master's level students necessitate curriculum evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify essential computer science (CS) topics and skills required by medical informaticians in their professional roles.
- To inform the development of a robust core curriculum for medical informatics Master's programs.
Main Methods:
- A validated survey instrument was administered to Master's level medical informaticians.
- Participants rated the importance of various CS topics and skills for their employment.
Main Results:
- Data retrieval and analysis from databases, database design, and web technologies were identified as highly important skills.
- Networking skills and object-oriented design were rated as less critical.
- General computer science, computer programming, and data analysis were deemed essential.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a strong emphasis on technical CS skills within the medical informatics curriculum.
- Databases, data analysis, and web technologies should be central components of medical informatics education.