Health information science and technology education: An analysis of health informatics undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arab countries

Abstract

Rapid advancements in information technology have laid the basis for the move to information management job positions and health informatics education. In fact, information technology becomes an essential component of different healthcare educational programs worldwide. However, scholarly research about health informatics, particularly, in developing countries is still limited. This study is the first investigation to assess and compare health informatics (HI) educational programs across different Arab countries. Websites of all universities and colleges in the Arab world were surveyed and examined. 35 programs in 9 countries have been identified. To systematically collect and evaluate data, a categorization of different variables to assess and compare HI programs has been developed. HI programs in Saudi Arabia and Egypt represent the largest proportion of programs. Most programs are offered by public institutions and belong to medical faculties. 69% of HI educational offerings are undergraduate programs while only 31% are postgraduate programs. HI programs vary in terms of their titles. However, these programs have used the titles 'health informatics', and ' health information management' more frequently. There has also been an uneven distribution in terms of the total hours of programs. The structure of the study plan of 51% of HI programs are built on compulsory courses only. The study has presented a framework that indicates strengths, weaknesses, and emerging trends of HI programs and highlights potential challenges, opportunities, and recommendations to improve such programs.