Why evidence-based health informatics should have theoretical foundations: exploring the implications for policy and evaluation

There is growing recognition that health informatics should be an evidence-based discipline. We propose that a truly evidence-based field should also have sound theoretical foundations. In this workshop, jointly organized by the EFMI Working Group on Health IT Evaluation and the IMIA Working Group on Technology Assessment and Quality Development, we will explore the implications for policy makers and evaluators. Speakers will illustrate potential theoretical approaches in policy design and programme evaluation. Participants will work in groups to debate the areas where theoretical work is most useful. We aim to identify priority areas for further work to strengthen the theoretical foundations of health informatics.