Journal:Development of a core competency framework for clinical informatics
| Full article title | Development of a core competency framework for clinical informatics |
|---|---|
| Journal | BMJ Health & Care Informatics |
| Author(s) | Davies, Alan; Mueller, Julia; Hassey, Alan; Moulton, Georgina |
| Author affiliation(s) | University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, The Faculty of Clinical Informatics, Health Data Research UK |
| Primary contact | alan dot davies at ucl dot ac dot uk |
| Year published | 2021 |
| Volume and issue | 28(1) |
| Article # | e100356 |
| DOI | 10.1136/bmjhci-2021-100356 |
| ISSN | 2632-1009 |
| Distribution license | Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International |
| Website | https://informatics.bmj.com/content/28/1/e100356 |
| Download | https://informatics.bmj.com/content/bmjhci/28/1/e100356.full.pdf (PDF) |
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Abstract
Objectives: Up to this point, there has not been a national core competency framework for clinical informatics in the U.K. Here we report on the final two iterations of work carried out towards the formation of a national core competency framework. This follows an initial systematic literature review of existing skills and competencies and a job listing analysis.
Methods: An iterative approach was applied to framework development. Using a mixed-methods design, we carried out semi-structured interviews with participants involved in informatics (n = 15). The framework was updated based on the interview findings and was subsequently distributed as part of a bespoke online digital survey for wider participation (n = 87). The final version of the framework is based on the findings of the survey.
Results: Over 102 people reviewed the framework as part of the interview or survey process. This led to a final core competency framework containing six primary domains with 36 subdomains containing 111 individual competencies.
Conclusions: An iterative mixed-methods approach for competency development involving the target community was appropriate for development of the competency framework. There is some contention around the depth of technical competencies required. Care is also needed to avoid professional burnout, as clinicians and healthcare practitioners already have clinical competencies to maintain. Therefore, how the framework is applied in practice and how practitioners meet the competencies requires careful consideration.
Introduction
The healthcare sector in many countries is facing increasing demand as people live longer and healthier lives.[1] The public’s expectation of healthcare is also increasing and is tempered by various financial constraints. The healthcare sector has lagged behind other sectors regarding its adoption and use of digital technology. In the U.K., the Topol review was carried out to assess how the healthcare workforce can be prepared for the digital future. The review makes many recommendations on the use of genomics technology, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital medicine, including the training and education of healthcare professionals in such areas.[1] At the cutting edge of this digital upskilling of the workforce are informaticians from clinical, health, and social care disciplines.
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) defines clinical informatics as "the application of informatics and information technology to deliver healthcare services." [2] The U.K. Faculty of Clinical Informatics (FCI) defines a clinical informatician as someone who "uses their clinical knowledge and experience of informatics concepts, methods, and tools to promote patient and population care that is person-centred, ethical, safe, effective, efficient, timely, and equitable."[3] (statement 3, P22)
References
Notes
This presentation is faithful to the original, with only a few minor changes to presentation. A few grammar and spelling errors were also corrected. In some cases important information was missing from the references, and that information was added.
