Building a health informatics workforce in developing countries

William Hersh, Alvaro Margolis, Fernán Quirós, Paula Otero

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Information and communication technology can be used to improve the quality and safety of health care and to lower costs. But in both developed and developing countries, there is an inadequate supply of skilled individuals who have the technical skills to use this technology to improve health care. Some studies project workforce needs of tens of thousands in English-speaking developed countries, but it is not known what size workforce will be required in the developing world. It is important to identify and develop the skills, training, and competencies-consistent with local cultures, languages, and health systems-that will be needed to realize the full benefits of these technologies. We present a framework for answering these questions and for developing estimates of the size and scope of the workforce that may be needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)275-278
Number of pages4
JournalHealth Affairs
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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