Education, Research and Professionalism in Health and Biomedical Informatics: Myths, Realities and Proposals for the Future

Abstract

This article proposes a definition of the field of Health and Biomedical Informatics, in line with recent international developments. According to the authors, there are several myths or misconception concerning the future development of this scientific and professional discipline. We describe the current situation of Health and Biomedical Informatics at an international level, include specific analysis for the two countries where the authors have worked (Spain and Australia) and finally propose a series of recommendations to improve it.All this analysis is carried out in three areas: education, research, and professionalism (characterisation and development of the profession). Defining the body of knowledge of the discipline itself is an initial step that must be made and taken as soon as possible.

Education in Medical Informatics and Bioinformatics

“…Since medical informatics is sometimes considered to be about computer technology the conclusion was that clinicians do not need such an education. Martin-Sanches and Gray [1] correctly state that this interpretation of BMHI devalues the academic discipline. Clinicians need to be taught medical informatics, but medical informatics interpreted as the science of information, information being data plus meaning.…”

“…Martin-Sanches and Gray [1] propose a definition of BMHI as the science of information applied to or studied in the context of biomedicine. The authors describe several misconceptions about this scientific and professional discipline.…”