In my opinion, Thailand’s health informatics workforce is currently in the developing phase. While not yet that popular, it’s continuously developing. As initiatives such as universities have driven the need for skilled professionals, which offers health informatics programs and research centers for fostering knowledge and collaboration. However, the workforce remains relatively small compared to other healthcare professions, as many roles are filled by those with IT skills rather than specialized training.
As far as I am concerned, one major challenge in the workforce is a limited pool of individuals with relevant academic qualifications. Since there are diverse academic programs and varying levels of difficulties on health and IT topics it is challenging to create a specialized workforce such as health informaticians. Additionally, the rapid evolution of health technologies requires continuous upskilling, which the current education system struggles to provide. Furthermore, attractive salaries and career prospects in other IT sectors attract the workforce away from healthcare, impacting an already limited number.
Overcoming these challenges requires various approaches. Firstly, establishing standards for health informatics education and certification would ensure a level of competency and facilitate career development. Secondly, developing collaboration between universities, healthcare institutions, or even health IT companies. By creating courses and practical internship opportunities. Continuous Health IT skill development programs are also essential to keep pace with technological advancements. Finally, promoting the unique value proposition of a career in health informatics, highlighting its impact on patient care and public health as well as offering attractive salaries and career prospects, could attract and retain the workforce.