Driving the Profession of Health Informatics: The Australasian College of Health Informatics

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Professional Development
• Australasia

Background:

• Health informatics is primarily advanced through societies or university programs.
• Professional colleges dedicated to health informatics are uncommon worldwide.
• The Australasian College of Health Informatics (ACHI) has operated since 2001.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the activities and role of the Australasian College of Health Informatics.
• To assess the current state of professionalization in health informatics.
• To demonstrate the need for enhanced professional structures in health informatics.

Main Methods:

• Review of the Australasian College of Health Informatics' activities.
• Analysis of existing health informatics professional bodies.
• Discussion of professionalization trends in health informatics.

Main Results:

• The ACHI serves as a national hub for health informatics in Australasia.
• The college has a growing membership of nearly 100 fellows and members.
• Existing structures for health informatics professionalization are limited.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need to advance the professionalization of health informatics.
• Professional colleges are essential for the growth and recognition of health informatics.
• The ACHI's model provides a basis for future professional development in the field.