What does the term 'clinical informatics' encompass?

The term 'clinical informatics' encompasses the use of healthcare data to enhance patient care and streamline administrative processes. This field focuses on utilizing data science, technology, and information systems to ensure that healthcare providers can make informed decisions, improve the quality of care, and increase operational efficiencies within healthcare settings.

Clinical informatics involves analyzing various healthcare data sources—such as electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems, and patient registries—to identify trends, improve workflows, and develop evidence-based practices. By focusing on data to drive improvements, clinical informatics supports better health outcomes, enhances patient safety, and optimizes resource allocation in healthcare organizations.

The other options, while related to healthcare and technology, do not fully capture the broad scope and primary goal of clinical informatics, which is centered on data use and its implications for both patient care and administrative efficiency.