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Curioso WH, Coronel-Chucos LG, Oscuvilca-Tapia E. Empowering the digital health workforce in Latin America in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: the Peruvian case. Inform Health Soc Care 2024; 49:73-82. [PMID: 38349775 DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2024.2315266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed significant gaps in healthcare access, quality, and the urgent need for enhancing the capacity of digital health human resources, particularly in Latin America. During the pandemic, online courses and telehealth initiatives supported by governmental agencies, the Pan American Health Organization, and other public and private resources, have played a crucial role in meeting training demands. This article discusses the role of capacity building programs in digital health within the context of Latin America, with a specific focus on the Peruvian case. We highlight the development of digital health competencies and related policies, while also describing selected experiences related to capacity building in this field. Additionally, we discuss the pivotal role of collaborative partnerships among institutions and countries, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant training programs in digital health. These initiatives have the potential to accelerate training and research opportunities in Latin America, drawing on the involvement of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, universities, professional societies, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter H Curioso
- Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Continental, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Elsa Oscuvilca-Tapia
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión, Huacho, Peru
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Social Media Tools for the Development of Pre-Service Health Sciences Researchers during COVID-19 in Pakistan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010581. [PMID: 35010843 PMCID: PMC8744709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The development of health sciences researchers has immense significance during a pandemic to control, manage, and prevent future outbreaks of the disease. This study focused on the use of social media tools (SMT) among pre-service health sciences researchers to complement their research competencies (RCT) and research completion levels (RC) during COVID-19. This study used the Vitae research development framework (RDF) to measure research competencies as a mediator between the use of social media tools and research completion levels among post-graduate health sciences students. A cross-section survey research approach was adopted to collect data from the post-graduate students (n = 410) enrolled in health sciences departments at universities in Pakistan. The SmartPLS 3.3.8 software was used to analyze data through Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that different social media tools such as communication, information management, and multimedia have a direct influence on the research competencies of the pre-service researchers and have an indirect effect on the research completion levels. Health sciences institutions may devise social-media-based instructional strategies to develop post-graduate students' research competencies, such as personal effectiveness, research governance, and research engagement, to help them compile their research and complete their degree program in time during an emergency.
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Monroe-Wise A, Kinuthia J, Fuller S, Dunbar M, Masuda D, Opiyo E, Muchai B, Chepken C, Omwenga E, Oboko R, Osoti A, Masys D, Chung MH. Improving Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Knowledge and Skills to Develop Health Research Capacity in Kenya. Online J Public Health Inform 2019; 11:e22. [PMID: 31976035 PMCID: PMC6975540 DOI: 10.5210/ojphi.v11i3.10323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Information and communication technology (ICT) tools are increasingly important for clinical care and international research. Many technologies would be particularly useful for healthcare workers in resource-limited settings; however, these individuals are the least likely to utilize ICT tools due tolack of knowledge and skills necessary to use them. Our program aimed to train researchers in low-resource settings on using ICT tools and to understand how different didactic modalities build knowledge and skills in this area. Methods We conducted a tiered, blended learning program for researchers in Kenya on three areas of ICT: geographic information systems, data management, and communication tools. Each course included three tiers: online courses, skills workshops, and mentored projects. Concurrently, a training of trainers course was taught to ensure sustainable ongoing training. A mixed qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted at the end of each training to assess knowledge and skill acquisition. Results Course elements that incorporated local examples and hands-on skill building activities were most valuable. Discussion boards were sometimes distracting, depending on multiple factors. Mentored projects were most useful when there were clear expectations, pre-existing projects, and clear timelines. Discussion Training in the use of ICT tools is highly valued among researchers in low-income settings, particularly when it includes hands-on skill-building and local examples. Our students demonstrated acquisition of new skills and felt these skills to be valuable in their workplaces. Conclusions Further training in ICT skills should be considered in other low-resource settings using our program as a foundational model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Monroe-Wise
- *Corresponding author: Aliza Monroe-Wise, MD, MSc. University of Washington,
325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359909, Seattle, WA 98104-2499
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Curioso WH. Building Capacity and Training for Digital Health: Challenges and Opportunities in Latin America. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e16513. [PMID: 31850849 PMCID: PMC6939247 DOI: 10.2196/16513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tackling global health challenges demands the appropriate use of available technologies. Although digital health could significantly improve health care access, use, quality, and outcomes, realizing this possibility requires personnel trained in digital health. There is growing evidence of the benefits of digital health for improving the performance of health systems and outcomes in developed countries. However, significant gaps remain in resource-constrained settings. Technological and socio-cultural disparities between different regions or between provinces within the same country are prevalent. Rural areas, where the promise and need are highest, are particularly deprived. In Latin America, there is an unmet need for training and building the capacity of professionals in digital health. This viewpoint paper aims to present a selection of experiences in building digital health capacity in Latin America to illustrate a series of challenges and opportunities for strengthening digital health training programs in resource-constrained environments. These describe how a successful digital health ecosystem for Latin America requires culturally relevant and collaborative research and training programs in digital health. These programs should be responsive to the needs of all relevant regional stakeholders, including government agencies, non–governmental organizations, industry, academic or research entities, professional societies, and communities. This paper highlights the role that collaborative partnerships can play in sharing resources, experiences, and lessons learned between countries to optimize training and research opportunities in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter H Curioso
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Chan MC, Bayer AM, Zunt JR, Blas MM, Garcia PJ. Kuskaya: a training program for collaboration and innovation in global health. J Multidiscip Healthc 2018; 12:31-42. [PMID: 30643417 PMCID: PMC6311319 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s173165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To solve increasingly complex global health problems, health professionals must collaborate with professionals in non-health-related fields. The Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and University of Washington created the NIH-funded Kuskaya training program in response to the need for transformative global health training for talented graduates from all disciplines. Kuskaya is a 1-year, interdisciplinary training program that teaches Peruvian and US graduates critical skills related to public health research through the design and implementation of a collaborative research project in Peru. Between 2014 and 2018, the program has trained 33 fellows, of which one third were from non-health disciplines. The program is unique because it targets junior trainees from disciplines outside of the health field, the program’s curriculum is adapted to fit the fellows’ backgrounds and professional aspirations, and the structure of the program allows for collaboration within the cohort and encourages fellows to apply for additional funding and pursue advanced degrees. Lessons learned in designing the Kuskaya program include: 1) involving mentors in the fellow selection process, 2) involving fellows in existing lines of research to increase mentor involvement, 3) institutionalizing mentoring through regular works-in-progress meetings and providing mentoring materials, and 4) defining a core curriculum for all fellows while providing additional supplementary materials to meet each cohort’s needs, and evaluating their progress. Kuskaya provides an innovative model for bi-national, global health training to engage and provide a public health career pathway for all professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Chan
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,
| | - Angela M Bayer
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,
| | - Joseph R Zunt
- Departments of Neurology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Magaly M Blas
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,
| | - Patricia J Garcia
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru,
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Kimura M, Kulikowski CA, Murray PJ, Ohno-Machado L, Park HA, Haux R, Geissbuhler A. Confluence of Disciplines in Health Informatics: an International Perspective. Methods Inf Med 2018; 50:545-55. [DOI: 10.3414/me11-06-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
SummaryObjective: To discuss international aspects as they relate to the convergence of disciplines in health informatics.Method: A group of international experts was invited at a symposium to present and discuss their perspectives on this topic. These have been collated in a single manuscript.Results and Conclusions: Significant challenges, as well as opportunities, appear when cumulating the intrinsic multidisciplinary nature of health informatics interventions with the diversity of contexts at the global level, in particular when considered in the perspective of a confluence, i.e., the mixing of different waters and their merging into a new, stronger entity. Health informatics experts reflect on key issues such as collaborative software development and distributed knowledge sourcing, social media and mobile technologies, the evolutions of the discipline from an historical perspective, as well as examples of challenges for implementing ubiquitous healthcare or for supporting disaster situations when infrastructures get disrupted.
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Ammenwerth E, Knaup P, Winter A, Bauer AW, Bott OJ, Gietzelt M, Haarbrandt B, Hackl WO, Hellrung N, Hübner-Bloder G, Jahn F, Jaspers MW, Kutscha U, Machan C, Oppermann B, Pilz J, Schwartze J, Seidel C, Slot JE, Smers S, Spitalewsky K, Steckel N, Strübing A, van der Haak M, Haux R, ter Burg WJ. On Teaching International Courses on Health Information Systems. Lessons Learned during 16 Years of Frank - van Swieten Lectures on Strategic Information Management in Health Information Systems. Methods Inf Med 2017; 56:e39-e48. [PMID: 28272648 PMCID: PMC5388878 DOI: 10.3414/me16-01-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Health information systems (HIS) are one of the most important areas for biomedical and health informatics. In order to professionally deal with HIS well-educated informaticians are needed. Because of these reasons, in 2001 an international course has been established: The Frank – van Swieten Lectures on Strategic Information Management of Health Information Systems. Objectives Reporting about the Frank – van Swieten Lectures and about our students‘ feedback on this course during the last 16 years. Summarizing our lessons learned and making recommendations for such international courses on HIS. Methods The basic concept of the Frank – van Swieten lectures is to teach the theoretical background in local lectures, to organize practical exercises on modelling sub-information systems of the respective local HIS and finally to conduct Joint Three Days as an international meeting were the resulting models are introduced and compared. Results During the last 16 years, the Universities of Amsterdam, Braunschweig, Heidelberg/Heilbronn, Leipzig as well as UMIT were involved in running this course. Overall, 517 students from these universities participated. Our students‘ feedback was clearly positive. The Joint Three Days of the Frank – van Swieten Lectures, where at the end of the course all students can meet, turned out to be an important component of this course. Based on the last 16 years, we recommend common teaching materials, agreement on equivalent clinical areas for the exercises, support of group building of international student groups, motivation of using a collaboration platform, ensuring quality management of the course, addressing different levels of knowledge of the students, and ensuring sufficient funding for joint activities. Conclusions Although associated with considerable additional efforts, we can clearly recommend establishing such international courses on HIS, such as the Frank – van Swieten Lectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske Ammenwerth
- Institute of Medical Informatics, UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
- Prof. Dr. Elske Ammenwerth, Institute of Medical Informatics, UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Eduard-Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Austria,
| | - Petra Knaup
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Petra Knaup, Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany,
| | - Alfred Winter
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Alfred Winter, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16–18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany,
| | - Axel W. Bauer
- History, Philosophy, and Ethics in Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Oliver J. Bott
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Information and Communication, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Gietzelt
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birger Haarbrandt
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Werner O. Hackl
- Institute of Medical Informatics, UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Nils Hellrung
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
- Symeda GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gudrun Hübner-Bloder
- Institute of Medical Informatics, UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Franziska Jahn
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Monique W. Jaspers
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Kutscha
- Center of Information Technology and Medical Engineering, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Machan
- Institute of Medical Informatics, UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Bianca Oppermann
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jochen Pilz
- Center of Information Technology and Medical Engineering, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schwartze
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christoph Seidel
- Department for Information Technology and Business Development, Braunschweig Medical Center, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jan-Eric Slot
- IT Academic Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ICT Department, Bernhoven Hospital, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Smers
- Department for Information Technology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Spitalewsky
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Trial Center (CTCW), University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Steckel
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department UK-IT, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Strübing
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Minne van der Haak
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reinhold Haux
- University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Braunschweig, Germany
- Prof. Dr. Reinhold Haux, Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology and Hannover Medical School, Muehlenpfordtstr. 23, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany,
| | - Willem J. ter Burg
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Willem Jan ter Burg, MSc, Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O.Box 2 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
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García PJ, Egoavil MS, Blas MM, Alvarado-Vásquez E, Curioso WH, Zimic M, Castagnetto JM, Lescano AG, Lopez DM, Cárcamo CP. [Development and institutionalization of the first online certificate and Master Program of Biomedical Informatics in global health in Peru]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica 2015; 32:356-360. [PMID: 26338399 PMCID: PMC5244866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Training in Biomedical Informatics is essential to meet the challenges of a globalized world. However, the development of postgraduate training and research programs in this area are scarce in Latin America. Through QUIPU: Andean Center for Training and research in Iformatics for Global Health, has developed the first Certificate and Master’s Program on Biomedical Informatics in the Andean Region. The aim of this article is to describe the experience of the program. To date, 51 students from Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela have participated; they come from health ministries, hospitals, universities, research centers, professional associations and private companies. Seventeen courses were offered with the participation of faculty from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, USA, Mexico and Peru. This program is already institutionalized at the School of Public Health and Administration from the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J García
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Miguel S Egoavil
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Magaly M Blas
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Walter H Curioso
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Mirko Zimic
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Jesus M Castagnetto
- Dirección Universitaria de Informática, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | | | | | - Cesar P Cárcamo
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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Walker RJ, Campbell JA, Egede LE. Effective strategies for global health research, training and clinical care: a narrative review. Glob J Health Sci 2014; 7:119-39. [PMID: 25716404 PMCID: PMC4796426 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v7n2p119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the evidence on effective strategies for global health research, training and clinical care in order to identify common structures that have been used to guide program development. A Medline search from 2001 to 2011 produced 951 articles, which were reviewed and categorized. Thirty articles met criteria to be included in this review. Eleven articles discussed recommendations for research, 8 discussed training and 11 discussed clinical care. Global health program development should be completed within the framework of a larger institutional commitment or partnership. Support from leadership in the university or NGO, and an engaged local community are both integral to success and sustainability of efforts. It is also important for program development to engage local partners from the onset, jointly exploring issues and developing goals and objectives. Evaluation is a recommended way to determine if goals are being met, and should include considerations of sustainability, partnership building, and capacity. Global health research programs should consider details regarding the research process, context of research, partnerships, and community relationships. Training for global health should involve mentorship, pre-departure preparation of students, and elements developed to increase impact. Clinical care programs should focus on collaboration, sustainability, meeting local needs, and appropriate process considerations.
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Maojo V, García-Remesal M, Bielza C, Crespo J, Perez-Rey D, Kulikowski C. Biomedical informatics publications: a global perspective: part I: conferences. Methods Inf Med 2011; 51:82-90. [PMID: 22183800 DOI: 10.3414/me11-01-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past decade, Medical Informatics (MI) and Bioinformatics (BI) have converged towards a new discipline, called Biomedical Informatics (BMI) bridging informatics methods across the spectrum from genomic research to personalized medicine and global healthcare. This convergence still raises challenging research questions which are being addressed by researchers internationally, which in turn raises the question of how biomedical informatics publications reflect the contributions from around the world in documenting the research. OBJECTIVES To analyse the worldwide participation of biomedical informatics researchers from professional groups and societies in the best-known scientific conferences in the field. The analysis is focused on their geographical affiliation, but also includes other features, such as the impact and recognition of the conferences. METHODS We manually collected data about authors of papers presented at three major MI conferences: Medinfo, MIE and the AMIA symposium. In addition, we collected data from a BI conference, ISMB, as a comparison. Finally, we analyzed the impact and recognition of these conferences within their scientific contexts. RESULTS Data indicate a predominance of local authors at the regional conferences (AMIA and MIE), whereas other conferences with a world-wide scope (Medinfo and ISMB) had broader participation. Our analysis shows that the influence of these conferences beyond the discipline remains somewhat limited. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that for BMI to be recognized as a broad discipline, both in the geographical and scientific sense, it will need to extend the scope of collaborations and their interdisciplinary impacts worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Maojo
- Biomedical Informatics Group and Department of Artificial Intelligence, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Boadilla del Monte, 28660 Madrid, Spain.
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Curioso WH, García PJ, Castillo GM, Blas MM, Perez-Brumer A, Zimic M. [Strengthening global health informatics research within the andean region through international collaboration]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica 2011; 27:449-57. [PMID: 21152740 DOI: 10.1590/s1726-46342010000300020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve global health and the welfare of a population, skilled human resources are required, not only in medicine and health, but also in the field of informatics. Unfortunately, training and research programs specific to biomedical informatics in developing countries are both scarce and poorly documented. The aim of this paper is to report the results from the first Informatics Expert Meeting for the Andean Region, including, nine Latin American based institutional case studies. This two-day event occurred in March 2010 and brought together twenty-three leaders in biomedical informatics from around the world. The blend of practical and experiential advice from these experts contributed to rich discussions addressing both challenges and applications of informatics within Latin American. In addition, to address the needs emphasized at the meeting, the QUIPU Network was established to expand the research consortium in the Andean Region, Latin America, and internationally. The use of these new technologies in existing public health training and research programs will be key to improving the health of populations in the Andean Region and around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter H Curioso
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.
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Blas MM, Curioso WH, Garcia PJ, Zimic M, Carcamo CP, Castagnetto JM, Lescano AG, Lopez DM. Training the biomedical informatics workforce in Latin America: results of a needs assessment. BMJ Open 2011; 1:e000233. [PMID: 22080537 PMCID: PMC3208899 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To report the results of a needs assessment of research and training in Medical Informatics (MI) and Bioinformatics (BI) in Latin America. Methods and results This assessment was conducted by QUIPU: The Andean Global Health Informatics Research and Training Center. After sending email invitations to MI-BI related professionals from Latin America, 142 surveys were received from 11 Latin American countries. The following were the top four ranked MI-related courses that a training programme should include: introduction to biomedical informatics; data representation and databases; mobile health; and courses that address issues of security, confidentiality and privacy. Several new courses and topics for research were suggested by survey participants. The information collected is guiding the development of curricula and a research agenda for the MI and BI QUIPU multidisciplinary programme for the Andean Region and Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mirko Zimic
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - Andres G Lescano
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
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