Pediatric Informatics: Computer Applications in Child Health (Health ...

Chapter 2
Informatics and Pediatric Health Care
Kevin B. Johnson and George R. Kim
Objectives
To introduce basic concepts of clinical informatics in pediatrics
To outline the roles of pediatricians in clinical informatics
To provide pointers in current thinking about informatics training for clinicians
2.1 Introduction
The incorporation of information technology (IT) to improve the quality, safety,
and efficiency of medical care has gained popularity among the public, policymakers,
and clinicians. The application of IT tools to address the special vulnerabilities
of children, to meet the data needs of their care and to avert medical errors
and their consequences, is natural if not compelling. However, the successful and
safe adoption of IT into pediatric care requires participation of professionals who
understand both child health and clinical informatics.
2.2 The Special Needs of Children
The pediatric mantra that children “are not just little adults” reflects their special
needs and vulnerabilities that must be considered when planning health interventions
that are safe and effective. The distinctions and special needs (physiologic,
psychosocial, and demographic) of children, apart from adults, create data management
challenges that must be addressed in a systematic and comprehensive fashion
to provide the best care within a technology-driven health care environment.
Children (as a population) are diverse and complex, across dimensions of growth
(premature infants to young adults), development (precocious and age-appropriate to
significant delay), health (well children to those with special health care needs) and
socio-economic status. Pediatric care affects a diverse and complex population within
a health care system that is itself complex and largely designed for adults. As child
advocates, pediatricians must assure that all health systems and clinical environments
C.U. Lehmann et al. (eds.), Pediatric Informatics: Computer Applications 5
in Child Health, Health Informatics,
© Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2009