Steps in Moving Evidence-Based Health Informatics from Theory to Practice

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Technology Assessment
• Quality Development

Background:

• The design and implementation of health IT require a rigorous scientific approach.
• Current practices often lack a foundation in research principles and techniques.

Approach:

• A review conducted by international experts from the IMIA Working Group on Technology Assessment and Quality Development.
• Examination of established research principles and techniques applicable to health IT.

Key Points:

• Four key approaches are presented for scientific health IT implementation.
• These include establishing national professional expectations, adhering to research-based standards, implementing quality assurance for safety, and scientifically measuring impact.

Conclusions:

• Marketing- and aspiration-based strategies for health informatics are insufficient.
• Scientifically grounded, evidence-based approaches are ethically imperative and practically superior.