Image via Wikipedia

Health informatics is a relatively new field. It combines information technology, information sciences with the field of medicine in order to devise systems to validate, generate, secure and integrate medical and health-related data.

The idea and purpose behind health informatics is to deliver a more effective healthcare solution to patients. This is done by gathering various techniques, systems and resources together to maximize technology, medical knowledge and other available advances. This system is used in many healthcare fields such as pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and others.

Also known as medical informatics, this system uses hardware, software, networks and other such technology to gather information. Information that is gathered and processed includes medical and clinical directives, medical terminology, information technology and so on. The information derived from these processes can be applied to medical settings such as general and primary care practices, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

This new technology uses these information systems to create a more efficient and effective operations systems within the medical fields — particularly in the areas of medical, administration and clinical information and data.

Informatics emphasizes, in particular, the need for implementing a uniform system of electronic records. By creating a uniform, easily accessed system, the results include a reduction of medical costs, as well as an improvement in overall patient care. In addition, because so much information can be easily shared billing, scheduling, research and information sharing are impacted in a positive way.

As this new field continues to grow and develop, more applications will be delivered that will provide for better, less expensive medical care to patients.