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Problems with Health Information Systems in Ecuador, and the Need to Educate University Students in Health Informatics in Times of Pandemic

Abstract:

Background: Health information systems are important in every nature, but only macro has been thought of and the Universities that host thousands of students have been neglected. At present, they have faced a serious problem, the lack of health informatics personnel and the lack of importance of health information systems. Objectives: The present research has taken as a tool a survey to determine the use of health informatics in universities and to assess the training needs of university students in public health fields. Methods: The survey was conducted in two periods, the first period July–September 2019, and the second period in July–September 2020, to 3967 university students in Zone 3 of Ecuador, with the objective of evaluating the knowledge and use of health information systems. Results: The majority of students surveyed acknowledge that they do not use a computerized system to manage health services. Less than half have received any type of education in health informatics. Only between 15 and 33% say that their universities provide the necessary support to promote education in health informatics. Ninety-two percent would be interested in learning the use of online hospital services, and 68% health information search. Conclusions: University students in Ecuador need preparation in health informatics, which requires the revision of educational curricula and the implementation of educational projects for health informatics training.