Introduction to Health Informatics

This chapter provides a foundational overview of the field of health informatics, defining its scope and distinguishing it from related disciplines such as health information management and biomedical informatics. It traces the historical development of informatics, from early data systems to today’s digitized and interconnected platforms. The chapter also explores the interdisciplinary nature of the field and its role in modernizing healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and supporting public health. Readers will gain an understanding of the importance of informatics in driving innovation across clinical, administrative, and policy domains.