K. A. Kuhn

To clarify challenges and research topics for informatics in health and to describe new approaches for interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Research challenges and possible solutions were elaborated by scientists of two universities using an interdisciplinary approach, in a series of meetings over several months. In order to translate scientific results from bench to bedside and further into an evidence-based and efficient health system, intensive collaboration is needed between experts from medicine, biology, informatics, engineering, public health, as well as social and economic sciences. Research challenges can be attributed to four areas: bioinformatics and systems biology, biomedical engineering and informatics, health informatics and individual healthcare, and public health informatics. In order to bridge existing gaps between different disciplines and cultures, we suggest focusing on interdisciplinary education, taking an integrative approach and starting interdisciplinary practice at early stages of education.

Summary Objectives: To clarify challenges and research topics for informatics in health and to describe new approaches for interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Methods: Research challenges and possible solutions were elaborated by scientists of two universities using an interdisciplinary approach, in a series of meetings over several months. Results and Conclusion: In order to translate scientific results from bench to bedside and further into an evidence-based and efficient health system, intensive collaboration is needed between experts from medicine, biology, informatics, engineering, public health, as well as social and economic sciences. Research challenges can be attributed to four areas: bioinformatics and systems biology, biomedical engineering and informatics, health informatics and individual healthcare, and public health informatics. In order to bridge existing gaps between different disciplines and cultures, we suggest focusing on interdisciplinary education, taking an integrative approach and starting interdisciplinary practice at early stages of education. * See more detailed authors´ affiliations at the end of the article.

Objectives: To identify current developments, obstacles, and opportunities for health information systems. Methods: International reports werediscussed during an IMIA HIS Working Conference with a focus on architectural design, project goals and drivers, obstacles, and opportunities. Results: Technology and standards are available to build regional and national health IT networks, and successful implementations are currently being realized. There is, however, little consensus and communication concerning goals, benefits and risks of large-scale health IT initiatives. Complexity tends to be underestimated, and the public needs to be more involved in the decision-making process. Conclusion: On all levels and across borders, a climate of exchange of ideas, experiences – both successes and failures-, policies, standards, systems, and information should be created.

Summary: To identify current challenges and developments in health information systems.Reports on HIS, eHealth and process support were analyzed, core problems and challenges were identified.Health information systems are extending their scope towards regional networks and health IT infrastructures. Integration, interoperability and interaction design are still today’s core problems. Additional problems arise through the integration of genetic information into the health care process. There are noticeable trends towards solutions for these problems.

To identify current challenges and developments in health information systems. Reports on HIS, eHealth and process support were analyzed, core problems and challenges were identified. Health information systems are extending their scope towards regional networks and health IT infrastructures. Integration, interoperability and interaction design are still today's core problems. Additional problems arise through the integration of genetic information into the health care process. There are noticeable trends towards solutions for these problems.