Informatics has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. The changes in health care alone have forced organizations to do things far differently than they once imagined.
Scenario
You are a member of a planning committee in your organization whose purpose is to research and report on future trends in the field of informatics. You will look at future trends in informatics that can improve your organization’s health care strategy and day-to-day patient care. In addition, you will consider how the technology is designed and whether your co-workers or patients will be willing and able to use it. You are preparing a report that will be delivered to your committee’s sponsoring executive.
Identify the stakeholders in your organization that you would be presenting to. This is the first step in what will ultimately be a formal 5-year plan proposal for technology investments and resource allocation, which will be delivered to your board of directors for approval.
Create a report that outlines the 3 hottest trends that are forecast for informatics. Use data to support your conclusion. This will provide you with timely knowledge of what is happening in the field.
Answer the following questions in your report:
How would your selected trends affect patient outcomes?
How can these technologies be used to address specific challenges facing the health care industry? For example, AI can be used to develop personalized treatment plans.
What are the steps that need to be taken to implement these technologies? This could include discussing the costs, risks, and challenges associated with implementation.
Provide examples of how each trend is already being used to improve health care. This could include examples from other hospitals, health systems, or even other industries.
Sample Answer
📊 Informatics Future Trends Report for Planning Committee
To: Executive Sponsor, Planning Committee From: [Your Name], Planning Committee Member Date: October 30, 2025 Subject: Future Trends in Informatics for 5-Year Strategy and Resource Allocation
1. 👥 Identified Stakeholders for Presentation
The presentation of a 5-year technology plan proposal to the organization requires engagement with key stakeholders whose approval, resources, and cooperation are essential for successful implementation.
Executive Leadership/Sponsoring Executive: Provides budgetary authorization, strategic direction, and final approval for major capital investments.
dentified Stakeholders for Presentation
The presentation of a 5-year technology plan proposal to the organization requires engagement with key stakeholders whose approval, resources, and cooperation are essential for successful implementation.
Executive Leadership/Sponsoring Executive: Provides budgetary authorization, strategic direction, and final approval for major capital investments.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) & Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): Represents clinical staff; concerned with patient safety, workflow efficiency, and clinical outcomes.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Concerned with Return on Investment (ROI), cost of implementation, and long-term cost savings (e.g., readmission reduction).
Chief Information Officer (CIO) & IT Leadership: Responsible for technical feasibility, system integration, security, and long-term maintenance.
Department Managers/Supervisors: Represents end-users; concerned with training needs, system usability, and day-to-day workflow changes.
Patient Advocacy/Experience Leaders: Concerned with patient access, engagement, and satisfaction with new technologies.
2. 🔥 Three Hottest Trends in Health Informatics
The following three trends are forecast to have the most profound impact on transforming healthcare strategy over the next five years, supported by recent market data and implementation examples.