Biomedical Informatics: Computer Applications in Health Care and Biomedicine » (3rd Edition)

Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center.

The practice of modern medicine requires sophisticated information technologies with which to manage patient information, plan diagnostic procedures, interpret laboratory results, and conduct research. This book, inspired by a Stanford University training program developed to introduce health professionals to computer applications in modern medical care, fills the need for a high quality text in computers and medicine, and meets the growing demand by practitioners, researchers, and students for a comprehensive introduction to key topics in the field. The work is designed for a broad audience interested in the intersection of computer science and medicine.

Completely revised and expanded, the Third Edition (previously titled "Medical Informatics") includes several new chapters filled with brand new material. This book will provide both a conceptual framework and a practical approach for the implementation and management of IT used to improve the delivery of health care. Designed for use by professors and students of medical informatics and for practicing professionals, this book will focus on the role of computers in the provision of medical services. Biomedial Informatics, Third Edition, provides the conceptual base needed to comprehend and utilize medical informatics through easy to understand examples that demonstrate how computers assist in the delivery of health care. This text also includes pointers to additional literature, chapter summaries, and concise definition of recurring terms for self-study or classroom use.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:David M. Liebovitz, MD(Northwestern Memorial Hospital)
Description:This comprehensive overview of the field of biomedical informatics is an update of the previously titled Medical Informatics from 2000. Each chapter provides an introduction to an important area in biomedical informatics with suggested additional reading and highlighted concepts.
Purpose:The book is intended to be used in formal courses by health professions students and by biomedical computing students. In addition, it is designed to serve as a reference for established practitioners, conveying concepts in biomedical informatics while providing illustrative examples.
Audience:According to the authors, this book will serve the needs of students in introductory courses while also providing a useful reference for practitioners. The contributors are leading authorities.
Features:The book addresses the breadth of the current field of biomedical informatics at an introductory level. It is especially useful for introducing the big picture of medical information management while providing intriguing glimpses into the many varied subdisciplines in this broad field. Bolded key concepts and questions for discussion are useful from an independent study perspective as well as for facilitating effective integration into a course syllabus.
Assessment:Overall, this is an essential contribution to enhancing education in biomedical informatics. The update is timely and relevant and it compares especially favorably in breadth as an introductory text.