A model for the teaching of imaging informatics, a platform in biomedical informatics, in a future integrated National Health Insurance system in South Africa
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Date
2020-12
Authors
Grobler, A. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In this research project, the researcher conducted an in-depth investigation into imaging informatics, to develop a teaching model in imaging informatics, applicable to the South African context. Imaging informatics in the digital radiology department is a division of medical imaging informatics and a study level in biomedical informatics, and function on a cellular or organ system level (Huang 2014a:631). It involves Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS), Radiology Information Systems (RIS), radiographic digital imaging modalities and a secure network for storing, retrieving and communicating of medical information and DICOM (digital imaging and communication in medicine) images. In digital radiology departments, in private and public healthcare institutions, it is usually the IT specialists (or manager) and the PACS administrator that is responsible for ensuring a smooth exchange of health information. Currently, no registered, accredited training programme in imaging informatics is available in South Africa. The objectives of the study were: • To gather data regarding imaging informatics nationally and internationally; and • To develop a teaching model for imaging informatics, a platform in BMI, in a future integrated NHI system in South Africa. The researcher used a mainly quantitative research approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data through three structured questionnaires and a three-round Delphi technique. The target population involved radiographers, IT specialist, PACS administrators and system managers. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples from each of the different research populations. The research design was appropriate, as it assisted in answering the research questions within a pragmatist paradigm. Six summated themes regarding imaging informatics principles were derived from the first two questionnaires and incorporated into the development of the first Delphi questionnaire. The categories of the professional practices of imaging informatics professional in the third structured questionnaire were also included in the first-round Delphi questionnaire. The three-round Delphi survey resulted in consensus achieved for 142 of the 184 statements (categories). Stability was proclaimed on an additional 37 statements. Only five categories were excluded after round three. The information retrieved from the literature review during Phase 1 of the study regarding BMI platforms and training; imaging informatics principles and teaching courses; learning theories, teaching strategies and models; and the categories where consensus was reached, and stability proclaimed, were used to develop the teaching model for imaging informatics in a future integrated National Health Insurance system. From the conclusions, it is clear that the teaching model developed through this study will be useful for developing and implementing a curriculum for imaging informatics teaching and learning in South Africa.
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Keywords
Thesis (Ph.D. (Health Professions Education))--University of the Free State, 2020, Teaching model, Imaging informatics, National Health Insurance system, Radiographer, Integrated, Holistic student development, Medical imaging informatics