Refining the definition of clinical informaticians: a structured approach

This study addresses the existing ambiguity in available definitions of clinical informatician, a challenge that complicates academic literature and practical applications in healthcare. The objective of the study is 'How can the role of clinical informaticians be clearly defined to resolve existing ambiguities and support their evolving function within healthcare systems?'

Employing a six-step concept definition process, this research synthesises existing literature and expert feedback to develop a comprehensive definition. Through analysing publicly available academic and practitioner literature and 21 semistructured interviews with experts working in clinical informatics, a definition of clinical informaticians is derived.

This study derives a formal definition of clinical informaticians: clinical informaticians leverage their dual expertise in technical and clinical domains to optimise health information technologies and data, and their use to enhance patient care across the healthcare system.

This refined definition clarifies the professional boundaries and offers a framework for future role development in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.