The role of the healthcare information officer

Abstract

Following large-scale automation of the information functions within the NHS, a large number of new information-related posts have been created. The role of the Healthcare Information Officer(HIO)is examined in relation to information provision, the development of information systems, staff supervision, training, liaison with other healthcare professionals; the organisation of libraries; and the Data Protection Act. The main conclusion reached is that, as information professionals, HIOs hare a multi-faceted role to play, with extremely wide-ranging responsibilities which draw on knowledge and skills in the areas of information analysis, systems analysis, library and information science, and computing and management.