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What is Clinical Informatics?

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Introduction

Clinical Informatics is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of healthcare, digital technology, and data science. It focuses on the design, implementation, and optimisation of digital systems that support safe, efficient, and evidence-based patient care. From electronic health records (EHRs) to prescribing platforms and clinical decision support tools, clinical informatics helps ensure that digital systems align with real-world clinical needs.

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Professionals working in clinical informatics bridge the gap between clinical practice and technology, ensuring that digital solutions are safe, usable, and effective.

Medical professionals interacting

Key Roles in Clinical Informatics

The field offers a wide range of roles, suitable for both clinicians and non-clinical professionals. Some of the most common include:

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EPMA Pharmacist

  • Leads on the implementation and optimisation of electronic prescribing systems.

  • Works with clinicians and digital teams to configure workflows, ordersets, and safety alerts.

 

Clinical Informatician

  • A broad role typically held by doctors, nurses, or pharmacists with a strong interest in digital health.

  • Provides clinical insight into the design and development of digital tools.

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Clinical Safety Officer (CSO)

  • Oversees the safety assessment and risk mitigation of health IT systems.

  • Ensures compliance with standards like DCB0129 and DCB0160.

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Digital Transformation or EPR Lead

  • Focuses on implementing or upgrading large-scale digital systems (e.g., EPR or EPMA go-lives).

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Data Analyst / BI Developer

  • Uses data extracted from clinical systems to create dashboards, reports, and insights that inform care and drive improvement.

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Where Does EPMA Fit In?

EPMA (Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration) is a core component of clinical informatics, as it directly impacts patient safety, prescribing quality, and clinical workflows. EPMA professionals contribute by:

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  • Configuring clinical decision support tools (e.g. allergy alerts, dose range checks).

  • Designing medication-related workflows that integrate with EPRs and pharmacy systems.

  • Collaborating with clinicians to tailor systems to real-world practice.

  • Supporting data capture for auditing, compliance, and reporting.

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EPMA roles are often a gateway into the wider informatics space, with many professionals progressing into senior digital roles over time.

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Skills Needed in Clinical Informatics

Key skills for anyone entering this field include:

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  • Clinical knowledge

Especially for those in informatics roles that influence patient care.

  • Digital literacy

Comfort with healthcare IT systems, databases, and configuration.

  • Analytical thinking

Interpreting data and optimising workflows.

  • Communication

Translating clinical requirements into technical solutions (and vice versa).

  • Project management

Essential for those leading implementations, upgrades, or change initiatives.

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Training & Career Development

There are many routes into clinical informatics, including:

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  • Health Informatics Courses & Certifications

NHS Digital Academy, FedIP, and university-based courses (e.g. PGCert/MSc in Health Informatics).​​

  • Secondments & Internships

Shadowing informatics teams or supporting digital projects.

  • On-the-Job Learning

Participating in go-lives, supporting configuration, or engaging with clinical safety assessments.

  • Professional Bodies & Networks

Faculty of Clinical Informatics, British Computer Society (Health Informatics), and local NHS digital forums.

Medical Staff

Summary

Clinical Informatics is a dynamic and multidisciplinary field shaping the future of digital healthcare. Whether you're an EPMA pharmacist, a data analyst, or a clinician with an interest in technology, there are exciting career pathways and impactful roles to explore.

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