Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1628134
Interdisciplinary Innovations in Biomedical and Health Informatics Graduate Education
Publication History
Publication Date:
24 January 2018 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00035037/200701/lookinside/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0038-1628134-1.jpg)
Summary
Objectives: Biomedical and health informatics (BHI) is a rapidly growing domain that relies on the active collaboration with diverse disciplines and professions. Educational initiatives in BHI need to prepare students with skills and competencies that will allow them to function within and even facilitate interdisciplinary teams (IDT). This paper describes an interdisciplinary educational approach introduced into a BHI graduate curriculum that aims to prepare informatics researchers to lead IDT research.
Methods: A case study of the “gerontechnology” research track is presented which highlights how the curriculum fosters collaboration with and understanding of the disciplines of Nursing, Engineering, Computer Science, and Health Administration. Gerontechnology is a new interdisciplinary field that focuses on the use of technology to support aging. Its aim is to explore innovative ways to use information technology and develop systems that support independency and increase quality of life for senior citizens. As a result of a large research group that explores “smart home“ technologies and the use of information technology, we integrated this new domain into the curriculum providing a platform for computer scientists, engineers, nurses and physicians to explore challenges and opportunities with our informatics students and faculty.
Results: The interdisciplinary educational model provides an opportunity for health informatics students to acquire the skills for communication and collaboration with other disciplines. Numerous graduate and postgraduate students have already participated in this initiative. The evaluation model of this approach is presented.
Conclusion: Interdisciplinary educational models are required for health informatics graduate education. Such models need to be innovative and reflect the needs and trends in the domains of health care and information technology.
-
References
- 1 Moehr JR. Where to in the next ten years of health informatics education. Methods Inf Med 2006; 45 (Suppl. 03) 283-7.
- 2 Clark PG. Values in health care professional socialization: implications for geriatric education in interdisciplinary teamwork. Gerontologist 1997; 37: 441-51.
- 3 Latimer EJ, Kiehl K, Lennox S, Studd S. An interdisciplinary palliative care course for practicing health professionals: ten years’ experience. J Palliat Care 1998; 14 (Suppl. 04) 27-33.
- 4 Lister L. Role training for interdisciplinary health teams. Health Soc Work 1982; 7: 19-25.
- 5 Bassoff BZ, Ludwig S. Interdisciplinary education for health care professionals. Health Soc Work 1979; 4 (Suppl. 02) 58-71.
- 6 Haux R, Ammenwerth E, Häber A, Hübner-Bloder G, Knaup-Gregori P, Lechleitner G, Leiner F, Weber R, Winter A, Wolff AC. Medical Informatics Education Needs Information System Practicums in Health Care Settings – Experiences and Lessons Learned from 32 Practicums at Four Universities in Two Countries. Methods Inf Med 2006; 45 (Suppl. 03) 294-9.
- 7 Hammick M. Interprofessional education; concept, theory and application. J Interprof Care 1998; 12: 323-32.
- 8 Corrigan B, Allen K, Moore J, Samra P, Stetler C, Thielen J. Preventing falls in acute care. In: Abraham I, Bottrell MM, Fulmer T, Mezey MD. editors. Geriatric nursing protocols for best practice. New York: Springer; 1999
- 9 Ebersole P, Hess P. Geriatric nursing and health aging. St. Louis: Mosby;; 2001
- 10 McEvoy C. Community care and “gerontechnology.”. Stud Health Technol Inform 1998; 48: 277-9.
- 11 Fisk MJ. Social Alarms to Telecare; Older people’s services in transition. Bristol, UK: The Policy Press;; 2003
- 12 Elger G, Furugren B. SmartBo – an ICT and computer based demonstration home for disabled people. In: Proceedings of the 3rd TIDE Congress: Technology for Inclusive Design and Equality Improving the Quality of Life for the European Citizen. Helsinki; Finland: 1998
- 13 Kidd CD, Orr RJ, Abowd GD, Atkeson CG. The Aware Home: A Living Laboratory for Ubiquitous Computing Research. In: Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Cooperative Buildings,. CoBuild; Pittsburgh, PA, USA: 1999
- 14 Junestrand S, Molin G, Tollmar K, Keijer U. User Study of Video-Mediated Communication in the Domestic Environment with Intellectually Disabled Persons. Int J Hum Comput Interact 2003; 15 (Suppl. 01) 87-103.
- 15 Chan M, Bocquet H, Campo E, Val T, Pous J. Alarm communication network to help carers of the elderly for safety purposes: a survey of a project. Int J Rehabil Res 1999; 22: 131-6.
- 16 Marek KD, Rantz MJ. Aging in Place: A New Model for Long Term Care. Nurs Adm Q 2000; 24 (Suppl. 03) 1-11.
- 17 Rantz MJ. Aging in place. Nurseweek (Midwest/ Heartland Edition) 2003; 4 (Suppl. 02) 7.
- 18 Demiris G, Rantz M, Aud M, Marek K, Tyrer H, Skubic M, Hassam A. Older adults’ attitudes towards and perceptions of “smart home” technologies. Med Inform Internet Med 2004; 29 (Suppl. 02) 87-94.
- 19 Kahn RL, Prager DJ. Interdisciplinary collaborations are a scientific and social imperative. The Scientist 1994; 7: 12.
- 20 Kirkpatrick DI. Evaluation of training. In: Craig R, Bittel I. editors. Training and Development Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1967