Roles and functions of the health informatics and health information technology workforce in Australia

The Health Informatics and Health Information Technology (HIIT) workforce plays a critical role in modern healthcare, bridging clinical practice and digital health technologies. As healthcare systems increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, understanding the composition and functions of the HIIT workforce is essential for workforce planning and policy development. This study analyzes the Australian HIIT workforce data to identify workforce trends, and role and function classification. This study analyzes the data of respondents who self-identified as part of the Australian HIIT workforce in the 2023 Australian Specialist Digital Health Workforce Census. Participants were selected based on occupational criteria, with descriptive analysis performed on demographic data with role titles and functions thematically analyzed. A total of 345 responses were included in the analysis. The majority of respondents identified as women (59.4%), with 40-49 years (30.1%) and 50-59 years (30.1%) being the largest age groups. Health Information Technology (46.7%) and Health Informatics (38.6%) were the most common occupational groups. Only 33.0% of respondents held a formal HIIT qualification. Leader/Manager (38.5%), followed by Analyst (12.4%) and Architect/Designer/Application Manager (12.4%) were the most frequently reported role titles. Functional aspects dominated work functions, with manage, data, and develop being the most common functions. The findings highlight the variability in role title and function classification, and workforce experience and qualification gaps in the HIIT workforce. There is a need for conformity in role titles and functions across the sector, as well as workforce structure and career progression. The low proportion of formally qualified professionals suggests a need for targeted education and training initiatives. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for ensuring a sustainable and effective HIIT workforce. Future workforce planning should focus on education, mentorship, and leadership development to enhance workforce sustainability and effectiveness in digital health.