Board certified physicians in health informatics a European precedent for professional recognition
(2010) Yearbook of Medical Informatics — p. 116-120 (2010)
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- Abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To document the official recognition of a new specialty in health informatics in one European country, because a similar legal process may lead to professional equivalence for physicians in all member countries of the European Union and elsewhere. METHOD: In Belgium, a Ministerial Decree in 2001 established criteria for the certification of Physician Specialist in Health Data Management. Such recognition of a new competence is a natural complement to a University Master's degree and can have a major influence on the salary scale and on professional recognition and development in public and private sectors. RESULTS: Teaching and training programmes in Belgium were adapted according to the Decree. Ninety-seven physicians were certified in the French community and 72 in the Flemish community between 2002 and 2009, with a prerequisite of this title for engagement in several official and private positions, and a salary increase. DISCUSSION: In other countries, recognition of a specific competence in health informatics remains, at best, a voluntary registration process and University programs vary widely. The implications of this Decree, with recognition of Physician Specialist in Health Data Management as a special competence, rather than a medical specialty, are discussed. The extension of such recognition to health professions other than physicians is not yet envisaged. CONCLUSION: Although the title "Physician Specialist in Health Data Management" may appear rather old fashioned, recognition of this competence in a European Union country is a first step to help its diffusion to other countries.
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Roger France, F., Beguin, C., Mélot, C., & Gillet, P. (2010). Board certified physicians in health informatics a European precedent for professional recognition. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 116-120. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/212162 (Original work published 2010)