Steps in Moving Evidence-Based Health Informatics from Theory to Practice

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate and promote the importance of applying a scientific process to health IT design and implementation, and of basing this on research principles and techniques. METHODS: A review by international experts linked to the IMIA Working Group on Technology Assessment and Quality Development. RESULTS: Four approaches are presented, linking to the creation of national professional expectations, adherence to research-based standards, quality assurance approaches to ensure safety, and scientific measurement of impact. CONCLUSIONS: Solely marketing- and aspiration-based approaches to health informatics applications are no longer ethical or acceptable when scientifically grounded evidence-based approaches are available and in use.