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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
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The ITS2 Database
Published on: March 12, 2012
The origins of informatics
1Division of Research, Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA 94611, USA.
Summary
Informatics has rapidly evolved over four decades, driven by advancements in computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. These digital computer developments significantly impact clinical medicine.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Information Science
Background:
- The field of informatics emerged from the convergence of computer science, engineering, and communication technologies.
- Its development spans from the 1950s to the 1990s, marking a significant period of technological innovation.
Observation:
- Computer hardware progressed from vacuum tubes to sophisticated very-large-scale-integrated silicon chips.
- Programming languages transformed from basic machine code to efficient, application-oriented languages.
- Communication systems advanced from copper wires to high-speed fiberoptic networks.
Findings:
- The evolution of computer technology, including hardware, software, and networks, has been exponential.
- Each generation of technology represented a substantial leap in speed, efficiency, and capability.
Implications:
- Digital computer advancements have profound implications for the development of clinical medicine.
- The integration of informatics is poised to revolutionize medical practices and patient care.
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