Training Leaders in Health Informatics

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Electronic health records (EHRs) are widely adopted but have not yielded expected patient safety improvements.
• A gap exists in specialized educational programs for health informatics professionals.
• Health informatics workforce data indicates a need for advanced training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and gain approval for a professional doctorate in health informatics.
• To address the identified need for evidence-based health informatics professionals.
• To enhance patient safety and population health outcomes through informatics.

Main Methods:

• Program development involved stakeholder focus groups.
• Secured approvals from university system, state educational authority, and accreditation body.
• Incorporated a prolonged practice project and blended online/face-to-face delivery.

Main Results:

• The professional doctorate program received final approval in July 2018.
• The program features a return-on-investment-focused practice project.
• High interest and applications were observed for the inaugural class.

Conclusions:

• The new health informatics doctorate aims to cultivate professionals capable of improving health outcomes.
• The program's unique structure and focus are designed to meet industry needs.
• The high initial interest suggests a strong demand for this specialized education.