PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATICS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Abstract. This paper addresses the assessment and verification of healthinformatics professional competencies. Postgraduate provision in HealthInformatics was targeted at informatics professionals working full-time in theNational Health Service, in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Many informaticshealth service positions do not require a formal Informatics background, and as westrive for professionalism, a recognized qualification provides importantunderpinning. The course delivered from a Computing perspective, builds uponwork-based achievement, and provides insight into emerging technologiesassociated with the ‘connected health’ paradigm. The curriculum was designedwith collaboration from the Health and Social Care ICT Training Group. Materialwas delivered by blended learning using a virtual learning environment and faceto-face sessions. Professional accreditation was of high importance. The aim wasto provide concurrent qualifications: a postgraduate certificate, awarded by theUniversity of Ulster and a professional Certificate validated and accredited by aprofessional body comprising experienced health informatics professionals.Providing both qualifications puts significant demands upon part-time students,and a balance must be achieved, for successful completion.