Biomedical Informatics is the science of managing information for health care, research, education, and administration. This new field combines elements of information science, computational science, and life sciences.
Health care increasingly employs new information technologies in every medical setting, from the doctor's office to the intensive care unit. One example is the electronic health record which is being used to manage information about patients including allergies, immunizations, past diagnoses, and prescriptions. Our Biomedical Informatics Training Program prepares highly trained people—informaticists—who study and advance the use of technologies such as the electronic health record.
Informaticists design systems that are more efficient for the health professional and the patient. For example, if a patient has an electronic health record, health providers could have information about the patient at their fingertips without having to ask the patient to fill out lengthy medical history forms or answer a list of questions. Patients with several health providers can authorize their providers to electronically access their medical records from all the multiple offices and locations where their records are kept. Access to this information will not only save time and money but will significantly improve the quality of care provided to the patient.
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