How to get started in health informatics

If you're passionate about medicine and the potential of technology, this rapidly evolving field offers exciting opportunities to make a real difference to the future of healthcare

What is health informatics?

Health informatics is the practice of gathering, studying, and utilising data to improve healthcare. Hospital informatics merges technology and medicine by implementing digital information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality of healthcare services.ÌýÌý

Its primary objective is to provide healthcare professionals with easy access to digital patient records and diagnostic tools enabling them to make informed decisions and deliver better care outcomes.Ìý

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the healthcare industry has witnessed a new era in health informatics. AI algorithms are now being utilised to screen large amounts of medical data, as Dr Tasakis, bioinformatics scientist at Solvuu explains, 'it can help clinicians in analysing images, including screenings for breast cancer and other types of cancer.'

Health informatics is also leading to significant advancements in personalised medicine. 'For instance, in cancer treatment, therapies like CAR-T, a form of individualised cellular therapy, factor in the patient's specific genetic makeup for tailored treatment,' adds Dr Tasakis.

This technology can also assist with disease prediction and drug discovery, and is now a critical part of improving the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare.

What are my study options?Ìý

Deciding which option is right for you will depend on your background, career aspirations, and learning style. 'Graduates with a Bachelors degree, coupled with relevant experience and training, may find themselves equipped for supportive roles within teams, while graduates with advanced degrees often find themselves well-suited for leadership roles within the industry,' explains Dr Tasakis.

To enter the field, a Bachelors degree in health informatics, information systems, computer science, or a related discipline in health or biology is often the starting point.Ìý

Relatively few people have a recognised health informatics qualification, meaning those with a postgraduate degree will have the competitive edge. There are several MSc courses available in health informatics, which can be studied full-time for one year or part time for two to five years. Some examples of these courses are offered by:

• Swansea UniversityÌý
• The University of ManchesterÌý
• University College London (UCL)Ìý
• University of SurreyÌý
• University of West LondonÌý
• University of LeedsÌý
• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

To be eligible for these courses, you must possess a relevant degree in a subject such as computer science, health services research, biological sciences, or nursing. However, if you do not have a degree in any of these subjects, then relevant professional experience may also be taken into consideration.

Each course will have specific modules, but you can expect to study subjects such as using secondary health data, knowledge management in healthcare, health informatics research, and writing a dissertation.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible for senior informatician jobs in the NHS and private sector, such as project managers, senior analysts, and specialised software development. If you are interested in research and leadership roles, Doctoral degrees in health informatics or related fields are also available.Ìý

Alternative options include the NHS Health Informatics - Graduate Management Training Scheme. Trainees gain hands-on experience through placements in various NHS organisations, while also earning academic qualifications such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership.

What skills do I need to succeed in health informatics?Ìý

Success in the field of health informatics requires a combination of technical, analytical, communication, and field-specific expertise. 'With healthcare challenges becoming increasingly intricate, there's a growing demand for health informatics professionals and innovators who are skilled at identifying problems, discerning their root causes, and proposing practical solutions,' says Dr Tasakis.

Here is a breakdown of the key skills you'll need:

• data analysis - the ability to analyse and interpret healthcare data to gain insights and make informed decisions.Ìý
• data management - a thorough understanding of database systems, data modelling, and data warehousing.Ìý
• health information technologies - familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health information exchange (HIE), and other health IT systems.Ìý
• programming - proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL for data analysis and manipulation.Ìý
• statistics - knowledge of statistical methods and tools to draw meaningful conclusions from healthcare data.Ìý

What health informatics jobs are available?Ìý

From entry-level roles in administrative functions to those requiring postgraduate qualifications there's a range of jobs in health informatics. 'Advancements such as wearable devices that alert individuals to seek medical attention when necessary are fuelling demand for professionals across various sectors, including data scientists, technologists, (bio)informaticians, and cybersecurity specialists,' says Dr Tasakis.

It's also possible to move into this field from other healthcare roles, or IT jobs such as website development.Ìý

Depending on the job you're interested in, it's possible to get into health informatics as a graduate, or as a current healthcare or IT professional. You may want to research relevant job profiles, such as:Ìý

• Applications developerÌý
• Data analystÌý
• Data scientistÌý
• Machine learning engineerÌý
• Project managerÌý

The NHS splits health informatics roles into seven employment areas:Ìý

• Clinical informatics - collecting and analysing data and communicating it to health professionals who can put it to use to improve patient care.Ìý
• Education and training - ensuring that healthcare staff are trained to use the latest technologies.Ìý
• Health records and training administration - collating, storing and retrieving healthcare records that are used to diagnose and treat patients.Ìý
• Information and communication technology - maintaining and developing IT infrastructure.Ìý
• Information management staff - analysing, interpreting and presenting health data to help plan and deliver patient care.Ìý
• Library, knowledge and information services - ensuring that staff, patients and the public have access to the right information when they need it.Ìý
• Project and programme management - managing major projects to implement new digital systems that put informatics at the forefront of healthcare.Ìý

Read more about the job roles on offer in health informatics at Health Careers - Roles in health informatics. Alternatively, you can see what jobs are available and the qualifications needed by searching Ìý'informatics' on NHS jobs.

Find out more

• Search postgraduate courses in health informatics.
• Explore theÌýhealthcare sector.