The need for a coherent curriculum and supported infrastructure in health informatics education--the HEALNet experience. Health Evidence Application and Linkage Network

Abstract

The Canadian National Centres of Excellence Network, Health Evidence Application and Linkage Network (HEALNet) is a network linking universities, the private sector and other public sector organisations in supporting research and fostering commercial opportunities. Its aim is to develop high quality health care decision support methodologies and tools that support the transfer of research evidence into practice. The HEALNet education program aims to support the training of highly qualified personnel as well as the development of educational approaches so that health personnel can better exploit such methodologies and decision support tools given the new opportunities of information technology. There is a need to draw from the different types of expertise within HEALNet to provide an integrated curriculum. At the same time, there is a concern regarding the lack of a coherent infrastructure in health informatics in many Canadian medical schools.