What Is Health Informatics, and How Does It Affect Public Health?

The decisions made in health care organizations can be highly consequential. Often, they have a direct impact on patient care. They may also affect the way an organization spends its resources and allocates its staff. Health care decision-makers depend on accurate, up-to-date information to ensure their decisions are as judicious as possible.

Health informatics helps health care organizations to make informed decisions. Professionals who pursue work in health informatics have an opportunity to use their information technology and data analysis skills to positively impact health care environments, potentially boosting the efficacy of patient care, community health initiatives, and resource use.

Those who wish to contribute to the health care industry in this way may want to consider enrolling in an online Master of Public Health program, where they will learn more about the role informatics can play in improving community-wide health initiatives.