Despite the negative public exposure targeted at eHealth (through eHealth Ontario, BC eHealth and the upcoming Auditor General's report on Canada Health Infoway), there is a very real healthcare informatics professional crisis looming.
By 2014, Canada is going to require another 6,000 to 12,000 professionals. These cover a variety of roles from technical and project management skills to clinical analysts.
Although not specifically listed, physicians with strong health informatics skills and experience with IT/EMR/EHR systems will also be in high demand as programs need more Chief Medical Information Officers and other senior clinical skills.
Key Findings - The Health Informatics and Health Information Management - Human Resources Report
- Current workforce: 32,540
- Additional professionals needed by 2014: 6,320 - 12,330
- Professionals now needing broader skills: 8,880
- Professionals requiring broader skills by 2014: 13,690 - 32,170
Read the report: Strategic Action Needed
None of this should come as a big surprise. In the US - approximately 50,000 health informatics professionals are going to be needed to help the US steer its way through some major changes and the adoption of EMRs by up to 300,000 primary care physicians.
If you have an interest in healthcare informatics, there has probably never been a better time than now to get involved.
To add your thoughts or comments, click on the 'Comments' link
Can anyone offer any suggestions as to where I should start looking for roles that are open to experienced international applicants?
Posted by: Kat | November 03, 2009 at 01:21 AM
Hi. I'd like to respond to Kat, who is looking for health informatics roles open to experienced international applicants. My background is in healthcare. In seeking a niche for my interest in technology applications in health, I was fortunate to connect with persons in the field of health IT and to narrow my focus. Applied for analyst position seeking clinical experience, was hired, and provided with training and a career mentor. My suggestion is for you to highlight and leverage your clinical skills to open the door - international or not. Good luck!
Posted by: Carol S | November 03, 2009 at 01:08 PM
The following comment has been submitted by a company in Ontario and raises a very pertinent question. Is the labour crisis real or perceived? If there is such a shortage of qualified professionals, why is it so difficult to find work? [Ed]
I also would like to respond to the article indicating future "Labour Crisis Looming - Health Informatics Professionals".
I am the owner of an I.T. Development firm in London Ontario and I also would like to know where I can offer my services in the eHealth informatics sector. We are actively searching for the eHealth work but we can't find it! I would welcome any insight to this referenced labour shortage.
Posted by: Rob McDermid | November 16, 2009 at 10:42 AM