Steps in Moving Evidence-Based Health Informatics from Theory to Practice

Abstract

ObjectivesTo demonstrate and promote the importance of applying a scientific process to health IT design and implementation, and of basing this on research principles and techniques.MethodsA review by international experts linked to the IMIA Working Group on Technology Assessment and Quality Development.ResultsFour approaches are presented, linking to the creation of national professional expectations, adherence to research-based standards, quality assurance approaches to ensure safety, and scientific measurement of impact.ConclusionsSolely marketing- and aspiration-based approaches to health informatics applications are no longer ethical or acceptable when scientifically grounded evidence-based approaches are available and in use.

Keywords

• medical informatics
• policy
• patient safety
• standards
• health impact assessment
• evidence-based practice