Valoración estudiantil de la Disciplina Informática en la Carrera de Enfermería, Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, 2021 / Student Assessment of the Informatics Discipline in the Nursing Career, Bolívar State University, 2021

Introducción: El desarrollo tecnológico actual incide de manera especial en el sector de la salud originando cambios en la actuación de sus profesionales, en particular la actividad de enfermería es un espacio donde la disponibilidad de recursos tecnológicos aporta precisión, dinamismo e inmediatez, que facilitan análisis asertivos y toma de decisiones para con el paciente, a favor de la mejora en su calidad de vida. El profesional de enfermería requiere de conocimientos y habilidades durante su formación que le faciliten su inserción en el espacio laboral en correspondencia con la realidad actual. Objetivo: Describir la apreciación de los estudiantes de Enfermería del Programa de Rediseño de la Universidad Estatal de Bolívar con respecto al beneficio que les proporciona el estudio de la disciplina Informática. Método: Estudio transversal con carácter exploratorio y descriptivo, se aplica encuesta estructurada. Resultados: Se identifica como muy beneficioso el estudio de las materias informáticas como parte de su formación profesional, así como por su aplicación en la atención primaria de salud. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes tienen la percepción de que las materias informáticas estudiadas son de relevancia como parte de su formación, y de que estas influyen en su desempeño profesional futuro(AU)

Introduction: The current technological development has a special impact on the health sector, causing changes in the performance of its professionals; the nursing activity is in particular a space where the availability of technological resources provides precision, dynamism, and immediacy that facilitate analysis assertiveness and decision-making with the patient, in favor of improving their quality of life. The nursing professional requires knowledge and skills during their training that facilitate their insertion into the workplace in accordance with the current reality. Objective: To describe the appreciation of nursing students of the Bolívar State University Redesign Program regarding the benefit provided by the study of the Informatics discipline. Method: Cross-sectional study with an exploratory and descriptive nature, a structured survey is applied. Results: The study of computer science subjects as part of their professional training is identified as very beneficial, as well as for their application in primary health care. Conclusions: Students have the perception that the computer science subjects studied are relevant as part of their training, and that they influence their future professional performance(AU)

Impacto de la Maestría en Informática Médica Aplicada en la informatización de la salud pública cubana / Master´s degree on Applied Medical Informatics - Its impact on Cuban Public Health informatics system / Impacto do Mestrado em Informática Médica Aplicada na informatização da saúde pública cubana

RESUMEN Introducción: El Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba realiza numerosos esfuerzos por garantizar la informatización de sus procesos, donde la superación profesional representa un eslabón fundamental. La Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública implementa la Maestría en Informática en Salud, dirigida a los directivos del sector que participan en el proceso de informatización. Sin embargo, el programa actual no se enfoca hacia el desarrollo de habilidades técnicas de los especialistas informáticos. Objetivo: Diseñar el programa académico de la Maestría en Informática Médica Aplicada y evaluar su impacto en el proceso de informatización de la salud pública cubana. Método: Estudio con enfoque mixto, alcance descriptivo, de tipo retrospectivo y diseño no experimental, de corte transversal. Se realizó un análisis documental para fundamentar el diseño del programa académico de la maestría y se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar su impacto en el proceso de informatización de la salud pública cubana, con una muestra aleatoria (n=63). Resultados: Se diseñó el programa académico de la Maestría en Informática Médica Aplicada, con una estructura de 78 créditos. Fue coordinado por la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas en colaboración con la Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública. Además, se evaluó su impacto en el proceso de informatización de la salud pública cubana a partir de análisis estadísticos con los datos obtenidos. Conclusiones: El programa implementado es pertinente e impacta en el proceso de informatización de la salud pública cubana, muestra de ello lo constituye las estadísticas de la primera edición en curso de la maestría.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Ministry of Public Health in Cuba is making numerous efforts to embed an informatics infrastructure in all its process where professionals with a high level of knowledge on the subject it´s essential. The National School of Public Health implements the Master's Degree in Health Informatics, aimed at the sector's managers who are involving in the informatics process. However, the current program does not focus on developing the technical skills of computer specialists. Objective: To design the academic program of the Master's Degree in Applied Medical Informatics and to evaluate its impact on the informatics process of Cuban public health. Method: A mixed approach, descriptive, retrospective and non-experimental design, and cross-sectional study, was carried out. A documentary analysis was conducted to support the design of the program and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate its impact on the informatics process of Cuban public health, with a sample randomly selected (n=63). Results: The academic program for the Master's Degree in Applied Medical Informatics was designed with a structure of 78 credits. Created in mutual collaboration between the Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas (UCI) and the National School of Public Health. In addition, its impact on the informatics process of Cuban Public Health was evaluated on the basis of statistical analysis of data obtained. Conclusions: The program implemented is advisable and its successfully impact on the informatics process of Cuban public health, was reflected in the statistics of the first ongoing edition of the master's program.

RESUMO Introdução: O Ministério de Saúde Pública de Cuba realiza numerosos esforços para garantir a informatização de seus processos, onde o aperfeiçoamento profissional representa um elo fundamental. A Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública implementa o Mestrado em Informática em Saúde, destinado a gestores do setor que participam no processo de informatização. No entanto, o programa atual não se concentra no desenvolvimento de habilidades técnicas de especialistas em informática. Objetivo: Desenhar o programa acadêmico do Mestrado em Informática Médica Aplicada e avaliar seu impacto no processo de informatização da saúde pública cubana. Método: Estudo com abordagem mista, âmbito descritivo, tipo retrospectivo e desenho não experimental, transversal. Foi realizada uma análise documental para subsidiar o desenho do programa acadêmico do mestrado e aplicado um questionário para avaliar seu impacto no processo de informatização da saúde pública cubana, com amostra aleatória (n=63). Resultados: Foi elaborado o programa acadêmico do Mestrado em Informática Médica Aplicada, com uma estrutura de 78 créditos. Foi coordenado pela Universidade de Ciências Informáticas em colaboração com a Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública. Além disso, avaliou-se seu impacto no processo de informatização da saúde pública cubana com base em análises estatísticas com os dados obtidos. Conclusões: O programa implantado é relevante e impacta o processo de informatização da saúde pública cubana, exemplo disso são as estatísticas da primeira edição em andamento do mestrado.

Data, capacity-building, and training needs to address rural health inequities in the Northwest United States: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Rural public health system leaders struggle to access and use data for understanding local health inequities and to effectively allocate scarce resources to populations in need. This study sought to determine these rural public health system leaders' data access, capacity, and training needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington with individuals expected to use population data for analysis or decision-making in rural communities. We used content analysis to identify themes. RESULTS: We identified 2 broad themes: (1) challenges in accessing or using data to monitor and address health disparities and (2) needs for training in data use to address health inequities. Participants faced challenges accessing or using data to address rural disparities due to (a) limited availability or access to data, (b) data quality issues, (c) limited staff with expertise and resources for analyzing data, and (d) the diversity within rural jurisdictions. Participants also expressed opportunities for filling capacity gaps through training-particularly for displaying and communicating data. DISCUSSION: Rural public health system leaders expressed data challenges, many of which can be aided by informatics solutions. These include interoperable, accessible, and usable tools that help capture, access, analyze, and display data to support health equity efforts in rural communities. CONCLUSION: Informatics has the potential to address some of the daunting data-related challenges faced by rural public health system leaders working to enhance health equity. Future research should focus on developing informatics solutions to support data access and use in rural communities.

Diseño del curso dinámico e interactivo para el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del tema Bases para el desarrollo del pensamiento abstracto y el razonamiento lógico / Design of the dynamic and interactive course for the teaching-learning process of the theme Bases for the development of abstract thinking and logical reasoning

La asignatura Bases para el desarrollo del pensamiento abstracto y el razonamiento lógico, es de alto grado de complejidad para los profesionales de las Ciencias Médicas, por las características del contenido, lo cual se agrava por las dificultades en cuanto a los medios didácticos de los que se dispone para contribuir al trabajo independiente de los estudiantes. El trabajo independiente favorece la autonomía, refuerza la apropiación de los contenidos y el desarrollo del pensamiento, así como la independencia cognoscitiva. El objetivo que se propone en este trabajo es diseñar un curso dinámico e interactivo para el aprendizaje de los contenidos de la asignatura Bases para el desarrollo del pensamiento abstracto y el razonamiento lógico. Se partió del análisis del Programa de la maestría Informática en salud, el programa de la asignatura y los medios disponibles para el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje, en especial se tomaron como antecedentes los resultados del trabajo de diploma en opción a la Licenciatura en Educación en Matemática-Computación y tesis de Maestría de Informática en Salud de la autora de este articulo. También se estudiaron los beneficios de la plataforma Moodle y sus principales características con vistas a utilizarla como Sistema de gestión de contenidos educativos. Como resultado se obtuvo el curso dinámico e interactivo que se presenta, diseñado para dar cobertura a cada uno de los temas principales que se abordan en los contenidos. Plantea ejercicios problémicos con niveles de dificultad creciente y proporciona a los estudiantes retroalimentaciones que contribuyen al ejercicio orientado del trabajo independiente. Este curso constituye un medio integrador y de fácil acceso para los estudiantes, que beneficia el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje y completa el sistema de medios de la asignatura para los estudiantes provenientes de las ciencias de la salud(AU)

Bases for the development of abstract thinking and logical reasoning¨, due to the characteristics of the content, is a subject with a high degree of complexity for the professionals of the Medical Sciences. This issue is aggravated due to the lack of didactic means to contribute to the independent work of students. Independent work favors autonomy, reinforces the appropriation of content and the development of thought, as well as cognitive independence. The aim of the work presented in this paper was to design a dynamic and interactive course for helping the learning of contents of the subject we mentioned in the previousl reasoning. The course design is based on the analysis of the Master's Program in Health Informatics, in with the subject is included, the program of the subject itself and the previous designed didactic means available for the teaching-learning process, in particular the background of the results of the diploma work in option to the Bachelor of Education in Mathematics -Computation and Thesis of Master in Information Technology in Health of the author of this article. We also studied the benefits of the Moodle platform and its main features in order to use it as an educational content management system. As a result we obtained a course with dynamic and interactive characteristics, designed to cover each of the main topics that are addressed in the contents. It presents to students exercises with increasing difficulty levels and provides feedback that contributes to the independent work-oriented exercise. This course is an integrating and easily accessible medium for students, which benefits the teaching-learning process and completes the course system for students coming from the health sciences(AU)

Public Health Information Systems: Priorities and Practices for Successful Deployments.

A fast paced workshop designed for senior public health decision makers and clinical leaders implementing information systems to support delivery of public health programs. The tutorial will introduce public health information systems and provide best practices for implementing solutions related to immunization, communicable disease case management and outbreak management. Using a combination of formats, the tutorial will: • Highlight key functionality of public health information systems. • Review global crises currently exposing gaps and deficiencies in public health information. • Examine governance, planning, and implementation priorities. • Highlight considerations supporting implementations nationally and in special populations. • Provide real, actionable lessons learned to take away and apply in the real world.

Algoritmos de aprendizaje automático para la clasificación de neuronas piramidales afectadas por el envejecimiento / Machine learning algorithms for classification of pyramidal neurons affected by aging

Una caracterización morfológica precisa de las múltiples clases neuronales del cerebro facilitaría la elucidación de la función cerebral y los cambios funcionales que subyacen a los trastornos neurológicos tales como enfermedades de Parkinson o la Esquizofrenia. El análisis morfológico manual es muy lento y sufre de falta de exactitud porque algunas características de las células no se cuantifican fácilmente. Este artículo presenta una investigación en la clasificación automática de un conjunto de neuronas piramidales de monos jóvenes y adultos, las cuales degradan su estructura morfológica con el envejecimiento. Un conjunto de 21 características se utilizaron para describir su morfología con el fin de identificar las diferencias entre las neuronas. En este trabajo se evalúa el desempeño de cuatro métodos de aprendizaje automático populares en la clasificación de árboles neuronales. Los métodos de aprendizaje de máquinas utilizadas son: máquinas de vectores soporte (SVM), k-vecinos más cercanos (KNN), regresión logística multinomial (MLR) y la red neuronal de propagación hacia atrás (BPNN). Los resultados mostraron las ventajas de MLR y BPNN con respecto a los demás para estos fines. Estos algoritmos de clasificación automáticaofrecen ventajas sobre la clasificación manualbasada en expertos.Mientras que la neurociencia está pasando rápidamente a datos digitales, los principios detrás de los algoritmos de clasificación automática permanecen a menudo inaccesibles para los neurocientíficos, lo que limita las posibilidades de avances(AU)

Accurate morphological characterization of the multiple neuronal classes of the brain would facilitate the elucidation of brain function and the functional changes that underlie neurological disorders such as Parkinson's diseases or Schizophrenia. Manual morphological analysis is very time-consuming and suffers from a lack of accuracy because some cell characteristics are not readily quantified. This paper presents an investigation in the automatic classification of a data set of pyramidal neurons of young and adult monkeys, which degrade his morphologic structure with the aging. A set of 21 features were used to describe their morphology in order to identify differences between neurons. Thispaper evaluates the performance of four popular machine learning methods, in the classification of neural trees. The machine learning methods used are: support vector machines (SVMs), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), multinomial logistic regression (MLR) and back propagation neural network (BPNN). The results showed the advantages of MLR and BPNN with respect to others for this purposes. These automatic classification algorithms offer advantages over manual expert based classification. While neuroscience is rapidly transitioning to digital data, the principles behind automatic classification algorithms remain often inaccessible to neuroscientists, limiting the potential for breakthroughs(AU)

Developing an evidence-based public health informatics course.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the need to develop a public health informatics (PHI) introductory course and determine contents of such a course. METHODS: Community assessments employing focus group interviews and an online survey were utilized to determine course need and content. RESULTS: Results revealed a need to provide PHI training to graduate public health students and suggested broad course content requirements. Results indicated lack of awareness of libraries and librarians as sources of public health information. CONCLUSIONS: A graduate PHI course was developed and delivered. Additionally, implementation of a subject guide increased the library's profile.

Public Health and Epidemiology Informatics: Recent Research and Trends in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To survey advances in public health and epidemiology informatics over the past three years. METHODS: We conducted a review of English-language research works conducted in the domain of public health informatics (PHI), and published in MEDLINE between January 2012 and December 2014, where information and communication technology (ICT) was a primary subject, or a main component of the study methodology. Selected articles were synthesized using a thematic analysis using the Essential Services of Public Health as a typology. RESULTS: Based on themes that emerged, we organized the advances into a model where applications that support the Essential Services are, in turn, supported by a socio-technical infrastructure that relies on government policies and ethical principles. That infrastructure, in turn, depends upon education and training of the public health workforce, development that creates novel or adapts existing infrastructure, and research that evaluates the success of the infrastructure. Finally, the persistence and growth of infrastructure depends on financial sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: Public health informatics is a field that is growing in breadth, depth, and complexity. Several Essential Services have benefited from informatics, notably, "Monitor Health," "Diagnose & Investigate," and "Evaluate." Yet many Essential Services still have not yet benefited from advances such as maturing electronic health record systems, interoperability amongst health information systems, analytics for population health management, use of social media among consumers, and educational certification in clinical informatics. There is much work to be done to further advance the science of PHI as well as its impact on public health practice.

Partnership to promote interprofessional education and practice for population and public health informatics: A case study.

Team-based healthcare delivery models, which emphasize care coordination, patient engagement, and utilization of health information technology, are emerging. To achieve these models, expertise in interprofessional education, collaborative practice across professions, and informatics is essential. This case study from informatics programs in the Academic Health Center (AHC) at the University of Minnesota and the Office of Health Information Technology (OHIT) at the Minnesota Department of Health presents an academic-practice partnership, which focuses on both interprofessionalism and informatics. Outcomes include the Minnesota Framework for Interprofessional Biomedical Health Informatics, comprising collaborative curriculum development, teaching and research, practicums to promote competencies, service to advance biomedical health informatics, and collaborative environments to facilitate a learning health system. Details on these Framework categories are presented. Partnership success is due to interprofessional connections created with emphasis on informatics and to committed leadership across partners. A limitation of this collaboration is the need for formal agreements outlining resources and roles, which are vital for sustainability. This partnership addresses a recommendation on the future of interprofessionalism: that both education and practice sectors be attuned to each other's expectations and evolving trends. Success strategies and lessons learned from collaborations, such as that of the AHC-OHIT that promote both interprofessionalism and informatics, need to be shared.

Alumni's perception of public health informatics competencies: lessons from the Graduate Program of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia.

Public health informatics has been defined as the systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practice, research, and learning [1]. Unfortunately, limited reports exist concerning to the capacity building strategies to improve public health informatics workforce in limited-resources setting. In Indonesia, only three universities, including Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), offer master degree program on related public health informatics discipline. UGM started a new dedicated master program on Health Management Information Systems in 2005, under the auspice of the Graduate Program of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine. This is the first tracer study to the alumni aiming to a) identify the gaps between curriculum and the current jobs and b) describe their perception on public health informatics competencies. We distributed questionnaires to 114 alumni with 36.84 % response rate. Despite low response rate, this study provided valuable resources to set up appropriate competencies, curriculum and capacity building strategies of public health informatics workforce in Indonesia.

Cutting-edge technology for public health workforce training in comparative effectiveness research.

A critical mass of public health practitioners with expertise in analytic techniques and best practices in comparative effectiveness research is needed to fuel informed decisions and improve the quality of health care. The purpose of this case study is to describe the development and formative evaluation of a technology-enhanced comparative effectiveness research learning curriculum and to assess its potential utility to improve core comparative effectiveness research competencies among the public health workforce. Selected public health experts formed a multidisciplinary research collaborative and participated in the development and evaluation of a blended 15-week comprehensive e-comparative effectiveness research training program, which incorporated an array of health informatics technologies. Results indicate that research-based organizations can use a systematic, flexible, and rapid means of instructing their workforce using technology-enhanced authoring tools, learning management systems, survey research software, online communities of practice, and mobile communication for effective and creative comparative effectiveness research training of the public health workforce.

Gaps in the existing public health informatics training programs: a challenge to the development of a skilled global workforce.

The objective of this study was to explore public health informatics (PHI) training programs that currently exist to meet the growing demand for a trained global workforce. We used several search engines, scientific databases, and the websites of informatics organizations; sources included PubMed, Google, the American Medical Informatics Organization, and the International Medical Informatics Organization. The search was conducted from May to July 2011 and from January to February 2012 using key words such as informatics, public health informatics, or biomedical informatics along with academic programs, training, certificate, graduate programs, or postgraduate programs. Course titles and catalog descriptions were gathered from the program or institution websites. Variables included PHI program categories, location and mode of delivery, program credits, and costs. Each course was then categorized based on its title and description as available on the Internet. Finally, we matched course titles and descriptions with the competencies for PHIs determined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Descriptive analysis was performed to report means and frequency distributions for continuous and categorical variables. Stratified analysis was performed to explore average credits and cost per credit among both the public and private institutions. Fifteen PHI programs were identified across 13 different institutions, the majority of which were US-based. The average number of credits and the associated costs required to obtain PHI training were much higher in private as compared to public institutions. The study results suggest that a need for online contextual and cost-effective PHI training programs exists to address the growing needs of professionals worldwide who are using technology to improve public health in their respective countries.

What do women know about government services and benefits?

This article examines how much women know about government services and benefits and discusses why this type of knowledge matters. Using data from a survey as well as focus groups conducted in Montreal and Toronto, we show that the women who are most likely to need information about these programs are often the least likely to be aware of them. This is especially true of low-income women, older women, and women who came to Canada as immigrants. We end by suggesting some steps that could be taken to address these knowledge gaps.

A survey of public health and consumer health informatics programmes and courses in Canadian universities and colleges.

INTRODUCTION: As information technology becomes more widely used by people for health-care decisions, training in consumer and public health informatics will be important for health practitioners working directly with the public. METHODS: Using information from 74 universities and colleges across Canada, we searched websites and online calendars for programmes (undergraduate, graduate) regarding availability and scope of education in programmes, courses and topics geared to public health and/or consumer health informatics. RESULTS: Of the 74 institutions searched, 31 provided some content relevant to health informatics (HI) and 8 institutions offered full HI-related programmes. Of these 8 HI programmes, only 1 course was identified with content relevant to public health informatics and 1 with content about consumer health informatics. Some institutions (n = 22) - which do not offer HI-degree programmes - provide health informatics-related courses, including one on consumer health informatics. We found few programmes, courses or topic areas within courses in Canadian universities and colleges that focus on consumer or public health informatics education. DISCUSSION: Given the increasing emphasis on personal responsibility for health and health-care decision-making, skills training for health professionals who help consumers navigate the Internet should be considered in health informatics education.

A curious jumble: the Canadian approach to online consumer health information.

As part of a larger e-health strategy, Canadian governments have invested millions in online health information services for the lay public. These services are intended to reduce demands on the primary health care system by encouraging greater individual responsibility for health and are often promoted using the language of personal empowerment. In this paper, we describe how lay searchers generally look for online health information and discuss the disempowering challenges they are likely to face in (a) locating Canadian government-sponsored health information sites and (b) finding useful information on these sites to address everyday health concerns. We conclude with several recommendations for policy changes.

Integrating information literacy into the education of public health professionals: roles for librarians and the library.

OBJECTIVE: The paper reviews the core competencies for public health professionals presented in the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) report, Who Will Keep the Public Healthy: Educating Public Health Professionals for the 21st Century; describes improving information literacy (IL) as a mechanism for integrating the core competencies in public health education; and showcases IL as an opportunity for solidifying partnerships between academic librarians and public health educators. METHODS: The IOM competencies, along with explicit examples of library support from a literature review of current IL trends in the health sciences, are analyzed. RESULTS: Librarians can play a fundamental role in implementing the IOM's core competencies in shaping public health education for the twenty-first century. A partnership between public health educators and librarians through a transdisciplinary approach is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: IL skills and competencies integrated into public health curricula through a collaborative partnership between public health educators and librarians can help integrate the IOM's core competencies and improve public health education.