Welcome

Thank you for taking part in this important national survey. This study aims to build a clearer picture of how Clinical Informatics teams are structured, staffed, and supported across healthcare organisations in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. These teams play a vital role in enabling digital transformation, improving patient care, and supporting the safe use of data and digital systems.

A Clinical Informatics team, while not necessarily names as such, brings together clinicians with dedicated expertise or responsibility in digital health. These professionals combine clinical knowledge with digital systems, data analysis, and change management skills to support the safe, effective use of technology in healthcare. Teams may be led by roles such as Chief Clinical Information Officers (CCIOs), Chief Nursing Information Officers (CNIOs), or equivalent, and are involved in areas such as Electronic Patient Record (EPR) deployment, digital safety, system optimisation, clinical engagement, and digital transformation strategy.

We are interested in understanding:

  • How Clinical Informatics teams are set up, funded, and led
  • The professional backgrounds and roles of those working in these teams
  • The use of electronic patient record (EPR) systems
  • How Clinical Informatics teams contribute to digital maturity

This survey is designed to be completed by digital health leaders, clinical informatics team members, or senior clinicians involved in digital delivery. We understand that terminology and roles may differ across regions and organisations, so we’ve included a glossary to support clarity. Your insights will help shape future strategies to grow and support the clinical informatics workforce.

Please answer all questions to the best of your ability. If you are unsure about a question or if a section does not apply to your organisation, feel free to leave it blank or select “Not Applicable.”
Glossary of terms

Clinical Informatics
The integration of clinical knowledge with digital tools, data, and systems to improve healthcare delivery, safety, and outcomes. Often led by clinicians with a special interest or role in digital transformation.

EPR (Electronic Patient Record)
A digital system that stores patient health information used by healthcare staff. Also known as EMR (Electronic Medical Record).

CCIO
Chief Clinical Information Officer – a senior clinician leading on digital strategy and clinical engagement.

CNIO
Chief Nursing Information Officer – a senior nurse responsible for nursing and midwifery input into digital strategy.

CMIO / CPIO / CXIO
Variations of Clinical Digital Leadership roles, including Chief Medical, Chief Pharmacy, or specialty-specific digital officers.

WTE (Whole Time Equivalent)
A way to measure staffing based on full-time hours. For example, 1.0 WTE = one full-time post. 0.5 WTE = half-time.

Banding
Refers to the NHS Agenda for Change pay bands (Band 5–9). Senior medical roles may be listed as “Consultant.”

CSO (Clinical Safety Officer)
A designated individual responsible for ensuring digital systems are implemented safely and meet clinical safety standards.

Digital Maturity
A measure of how advanced and effective an organisation is in using digital systems to support care.

HIMSS EMRAM
A global model (by HIMSS) that assesses digital maturity in hospitals from Stage 0 (paper-based) to Stage 7 (fully digital).

CDIO / CIO
Chief Digital Information Officer or Chief Information Officer – leads digital services across the organisation, often from an IT or corporate perspective.

ICS
Integrated Care System – a partnership of organisations that work together to deliver health and care services across a region (used in England).

AHPs
Allied Health Professionals – includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, and other non-medical clinicians.
 
 17% of survey complete.

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