Key Points
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Gives definitions of healthcare informatics (HCI) and explains the significance and growth of this aspect of healthcare.
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Traces the historical development of HCI and suggests that the two major aspects of its usage are for health management and audit, and provision of clinical information and diagnostics.
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Describes recent developments in HCI, together with the plans for HCI in NHS dentistry.
Abstract
Healthcare informatics is increasing in importance both for healthcare administrators and medical and dental practitioners. Governments across the developed world are initiating major national health IT programmes. At the same time, future best medical and dental practice will increasingly depend on computer-based support tools, although disagreement remains about the effectiveness of current support tools. Over the longer term, future informatics tools, combined with other medical and dental technology modalities, promise more adaptive, patient-focused and efficient healthcare and education for the practitioner and the patient.
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Notes
*Isabel Healthcare Ltd, PO Box 244, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 1WU, UK
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Reynolds, P., Harper, J., Jenner, A. et al. Better informed: an overview of health informatics. Br Dent J 204, 259–264 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2008.150
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2008.150
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