General Information I selected the Clinical Health Information Manager at the local Clinic Unit as they are the primary point of contact for issues in relation to clinical information and respective updates to clinical strategies. Furthermore, they are known to be one of the most reliable managers in the state and area. They have also held the position of Information Manager for a number of years and have observed extensive change throughout the state’s health industry, testimony to the responsiveness of clinical information and associated conditions to external requirements. I approached this individual to ask for an interview by firstly writing to them and expressing my eagerness to interview them knowing their wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of clinical informatics. After a week, I received a response and a phone call confirming a time for a comprehensive interview. I also sent through a number of interview questions that I would be asking in order to make them feel more comfortable and reassured with respect to my intentions throughout the interview.
The individual was very approachable as they understood the connection between my studies and their job role and also my motivation to pursue further studies in this area. They were friendly and extensively knowledgeable about every question that I asked.
Summary of Interview
The discussion held with the clinical information manager was comprehensive and highly informative. The first part of the discussion focused on the requirements for becoming a clinical health information manager including the need for a health background and extensive analytical skills gained from a number of different mathematical studies and courses. Study is certainly key to the development of clinical health information knowledge as well as some practical skills in the workplace, to further extend a foundation for clinical health studies. The education requirement for the position was also discussed including the requirement for a Bachelor’s degree, namely in health or clinical analysis as well as further post-graduate study including a masters of health administration or general management. It was ascertained throughout the conversation that current clinical information management is on the rise and is continuing to develop as new technologies are proposed and clinics resort to using more technologically focused methods for retaining patient information and records on clinical processes overall. Education requirements were also listed as a concern for the industry as there are not enough qualified personnel who can make worthwhile contributions towards clinical research and developments. Qualifications such as university degrees, combined with managerial experience in clinical and highly informative settings are required and there needs to be a more comprehensive system for training personnel and continuing the industry further. It was highlighted extensively throughout the interview, the requirement for the continuation of the industry as it helps to facilitate better health initiatives and overall development currently and in the future.
Acquired Learning
There were a number of points that I learnt from the experience including most significantly, the need for more qualified personnel such as the individual being interviewed. The meeting was, as mentioned, highly informative and not too evasive. It was also highly beneficial as I received a very unique insight into the thoughts and skills of a highly qualified manager in the industry. Considering that the industry is struggling to retain managers with the same level of experience, I was honored to be able to interview a key individual within the business and also be asked to return to seek more information in the future. I certainly expanded my knowledge of informatics and how it is key to the success and development of the overall health system in the United States.