Interdisciplinary Collaboration In Healthcare Management: Integrating Health Informatics And Health Services Management For Organizations Success

Abstract

As healthcare grows increasingly complex, integrated approaches across specialties are needed to address modern challenges. Health informatics and health services management both aim to optimize healthcare delivery, yet each brings a distinct perspective. Combining these disciplines holds promise for more holistic and collaborative solutions. However, meaningful interdisciplinary work requires overcoming cultural and communication barriers.

This review examines the potential benefits of and barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration between health informatics and health services management professionals. The goal of it is to identify opportunities for leveraging each specialty's strengths through strategic, relationship-focused approaches.

Strategic planning aligns these disciplines to work interdependently toward shared objectives that optimize healthcare delivery through both human and technological approaches. Regular strategic collaboration in this way can help overcome cultural and communication challenges to interdisciplinary work.

A search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted in April 2022 using combinations of keywords like "health informatics," "healthcare management," "interdisciplinary," "collaboration," and "integration." Only peer-reviewed articles published between 2017-2022 in English were included. Government reports and organizational websites were also reviewed. A total of 25 sources discussing interdisciplinary collaboration between these fields met the criteria for analysis.

The literature revealed several benefits of integrating health informatics and management perspectives. Combining data analytics skills with an understanding of clinical and administrative workflows can improve quality, safety, efficiency and patient outcome. 

Emerging technologies present new opportunities, but also require adaptation. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain show promise in areas like predictive analytics, precision medicine and distributed record-keeping. However, their success depends on human-centered design and governance that considers social and ethical implications.

The literature confirms significant potential for synergistic impact through strategic interdisciplinary collaboration between health informatics and management. However, simply co-locating professionals is insufficient without attention to culture, communication and relationships. Leadership must champion relationship-building to develop shared understanding and priorities. Structures like integrated project teams can foster familiarity and trust between specialties.

Emerging technologies will continue shaping healthcare delivery in coming years. Their success depends on human-centered governance and integration that leverages interdisciplinary expertise. With commitment to understanding diverse perspectives and building collaborative habits, health systems can harness these tools to advance patient-centered care.

The literature confirms significant potential for improved outcomes through strategic integration of health informatics and management perspectives. However, meaningful collaboration requires attention to cultural differences, communication gaps and relationship-building between specialties. With leadership support for interdisciplinary team structures and processes, organizations can leverage each field's strengths through data-driven, human-centered approaches. Doing so positions health systems to advance quality, safety, efficiency and care through emerging technologies. Further research should explore specific integration models and their impacts on outcomes.