What unique knowledge and experiences do healthcare professionals have working in clinical informatics?

Abstract

Objective: Describe the knowledge, skills and competencies that healthcare professionals hold working in the area of clinical informatics. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic literature review across five large databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and SCOPUS. The titles, abstracts and full texts were screened in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Data was extracted onto a data extraction sheet, and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Program to appraise the included studies. Results: 52 articles and 7 grey literature sources met our inclusion criteria. We grouped knowledge and skills into nine key competency domains: (1) health sciences and services, (2) professionalism and clinical practice skills in healthcare, (3) information science and technology, (4) health informatics specialisation, (5) communication, (6) financial planning and management, (7) analytical assessment and decision making, (8) education and training, and (9) leadership and change management. A broad range of information-specific knowledge and skills were described. Discussion and conclusions: This review identified a broad range of knowledge and expertise held by healthcare professionals in these nine competency domains. A competency framework to standardise the required knowledge and skills would be beneficial to the profession, and promote effective multi-disciplinary informatics working environments.

Keywords

• Medical informatics
• Nursing informatics
• Health informatics
• Health information systems
• Clinical competence
• Informatics competence