The Relevance of Biology to Health Informatics

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key terms and concepts related to the intersection of biology and health informatics based on its application in patient data, disease tracking, and precision medicine.

Health Informatics

A field that involves managing, analyzing, and using health data to improve patient care, healthcare systems, and health outcomes by combining healthcare, technology, and data science.

Biology

The study of living organisms, their functions, structures, and interactions with their environment, providing insight into body functions, disease origins, and treatment development.

Biological Data

Specific information such as patient records, lab results, and genetic information used within health informatics.

Biological Markers

Indicators used in blood tests or genetic screenings that help professionals interpret health data.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Digital systems that store patient data such as diagnoses, lab results, and treatment histories, requiring basic biology knowledge to categorize data correctly.

Precision Medicine

A healthcare approach that utilizes genomic data and genetic markers to predict how a patient will respond to a specific drug.

Pathogens

Biological agents that cause disease; understanding their spread helps informatics experts design systems to identify outbreaks early.

Genetics

The study of inherited traits used in informatics systems to understand hereditary diseases and patterns to predict risks and manage patient care.

Molecular Biology

A core field that provides foundational knowledge about the molecular basis of diseases to assist in healthcare decision-making.