Clarifying the relationship between biomedical and health informatics and digital health: expert perspectives
Abstract
The rise of digital health (DH) has sparked debates about its relationship with the long-established field of biomedical and health informatics (BMHI), with some questioning the need for new academic programmes in DH since much of the likely content is already covered in BMHI training programmes. At the International Medical Informatics Association panel, 'Shaping the Future of Biomedical and Health Informatics in the Digital Health Era' (MEDINFO 2025), only one-third of participants clearly distinguished the two fields, highlighting conceptual ambiguities and the influence of DH narratives. This article compiles the perspectives expressed by the panellists, all experienced BMHI scholars, presenting their distinct viewpoints on how the field can maintain its scientific identity while engaging with emerging DH initiatives.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Electronic Health Records Systems
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Digital Mental Health Interventions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- BMJ Health & Care Informatics
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Volume
- 33
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e102101–e102101
- Publication date
- 1 June 2026
- Language
- EN