Health Informatics : An Intercultural Perspective

oortals. etc. It is an umbrella term covering two areas: Health informatics is o signifirant contribution to health care. It pmvides health prof~sionals with powerful technologies to enhance their pe$ormance in caring for patients. The introduction of health informatics has added a new dimension in the health discourse. Howeve,: there ore also issues andpmblems which are associated with health infonnatics, particularly in relation toprivacy, conlidentialltv and data securih: which are deeply embedded health informatics (collection, analysis and movement of health information and data to support health care), and telehealth (videoconferencing and website delivery of health information or health care to a recipient). Health informatics is the appropriate and innovative application of the concepts and technologies of the information age to improve health care and health [I I]. Health informatics has much to offer in community health . . in culrure. As privacy andconjidenfiality are linpistically care. Computer networks and telecommunications provide and culturally constructed, health workers, patients ond particular support that can enhance the collaboration the public may have d~rerent views and exhibit d~reerent among clinicians, care providers and patients. Special-purbehwiours towards health informatics. The discussion of pose computer tools referred to as Consumer Health these issues is situated in an interrultural discourse. Informatics (CHI) represent the application of computer and information technologies specifically to support the