Online course in Biomedical Informatics for Puerto Rico: results of a Pan-American collaboration

Abstract

Introduction: The information technology explosion has had an impact on society in general, as well as in the health area. Although Biomedical and Health Informatics has grown rapidly as a discipline in response to the dramatic changes, national and international commitments are needed so that current health systems adopt and use integrated information systems. Among the essential elements required are specialized human resources that can build multidisciplinary work groups to help in these changes.

Objective: To present the results of adapting the 10x10 education program of the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) for Puerto Rico. This a 155 hour university course on information systems of healthcare organizations.

Method: A 5-phase model was used in Puerto Rico for other activities that involved the integration of synchronous and asynchronous, face-to-face and distance activities, as well as the integration of leaders of local institutions, the suitability of the design and the local validity certification. This edition was performed between August and December 2012.

Results: Forty professionals from different disciplines subscribed and participated in the course, with 28 (70%) of them passing it. Of these that responded to the course evaluation questionnaire, 71% had never carried out a distance learning activity.

Conclusions: The adaptation of the 10x10 course in Spanish for US citizens in Puerto Rico was possible and was useful for the participants involved.