Progressing professional maturity in health informatics

This paper looks at ways in which the profession of health informatics is gaining definition, through the actions of both the BCS Health Informatics Forum and the UK Council for Health Informatics Professions. It explores the some of the ways the current situation was achieved, how the lessons can be applied internationally and the challenges yet to be met. Opportunities for further progress within the existing landscape of technology and health care delivery and management are outlined. The paper documents actions taken and planned and the rationale of why, with supporting evidence of similar contributory work to date. It concludes by stating that the profession must remain flexible and dynamic, and nurture its professional members if it is to continue to develop within an ever-changing scenario.