Orthopaedic InformaticsIntroduction

Christian Veillette M.D., M.Sc., FRCSCAssistant Professor, University of TorontoShoulder & Elbow Reconstructive Surgery

Toronto Western Hospital University Health NetworkEmail: orthonet@gmail.com

What is Orthopaedic Informatics?

• Physiology = the logic of life

• Pathology = the logic of disease

• Health informatics = the logic of healthcare

Orthopaedic informatics

=

the logic of orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Informatics

• Rationale study of– the way we think about patients– the way that treatments are

defined, selected, evolved– how clinical knowledge is

created, shared, applied

Study of information & communication systems in orthopaedics

Informatics skills

Every clinical action, every treatment choice and investigation, is shaped by the available information and how effectively that information is processed and communicated.

Informatics Skills

5 basic clinical informatics skills

• Communicating effectively

• Structuring information

• Questioning to find information

• Searching for knowledge

• Making decisions

Tools of Informatics

• Clinical guidelines/decision support

• Formal health languages

• Information systems- EHR, PACS, integrated databases

• Communication systems- Internet, Telecommunication

Only a means to an endDelivery of the best possible healthcare

Why learn about Informatics?

• Information you need– Detail– Quality

• When you need it

• Where you need it

Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care, research and education.

References

• Guide to Health Informatics. Coiera. 2003.

Thank you

The Orthopaedic Internet:

A Collaborative Resource