What Is Biomedical Informatics?

Biomedical informatics, as a scientific discipline, has its roots in the early 1970s. It encompasses the fields of bioinformatics, medical imaging, health informatics, and several other disciplines. In recent years, this biological field has experienced explosive growth, due to public access to massive amounts of data generated from the Human Genome Project. A host of other complementary research efforts have also contributed to the knowledge base. This synergistic blend of multiple branches of biology, combined with information technology and knowledge, has enabled researchers and clinicians to utilize an array of information to advance biological research and healthcare.

The integration of information technology and biomedical knowledge has paved the way for impressive breakthroughs in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Health-related events, such as modeling, identifying DNA sequences, analyzing protein structures, and manipulating data, may be performed effortlessly and with remarkable speed. The breath and depth of ground-breaking information and understanding of the human organism, and its environment, covers the entire gamut. The accumulation and application of data and knowledge range from molecular exchanges and cell communication to personal genotypes and group populations.

Many life sciences professionals expect volumes of pioneering knowledge emanating from various projects to revolutionize the health field. Perhaps the most significant application of biomedical informatics is likely to be in personalized medical care. Utilizing traditional health data already included in personal medical records, individual phenotype information, and other sources, clinicians can deliver better healthcare services. They may also position themselves to be more pro-active and better able to detect diseases in the early stages of development.

Another benefit derived from the progress of biomedical informatics is the ability for healthcare professionals to create lucid and sophisticated medical evaluations of individuals. Profiles can be made available to patients and their healthcare providers. Some people may even choose to exploit this information in other areas of their lives, including nutritional options, lifestyle decisions, employment choices, and identification of prenatal diseases. Other goals inherent in biomedical informatics include the promotion of breakthroughs and innovations in diagnostic and remedial techniques. These accomplishment are not only capable of improving the healthcare system, but may also create greater effectiveness and efficiencies throughout the industry.

As the field of biomedical informatics matures, proponents have the broader objective of further consolidation and development of this scientific branch. This could be accomplished by researchers continuing to study and decipher the abundance of biological data that is available. The refinement and creation of innovative algorithms, specialized software, and automated processes can also help. In the post-genome period, the challenge remains to make significant progress in the delivery of personalized medical services and to lower costs. This could be accomplished with the commitment and support of the entire healthcare industry to making wide spread use of the data, knowledge, and clinical computing systems that are available.