Translational Health Informatics: Bridging Theory and Practice for Better Healthcare Delivery

Translational health informatics is a rapidly evolving field, drawing insights from diverse disciplines like translational medicine, socio-technical systems thinking, and information systems design science. Its primary goal is to enhance the safety, quality, and outcomes of patient care through customer centered health informatics and ethical application of emerging technologies. The book emphasizes understanding the bigger picture, conducting perceptive value audits, and employing a diagnostic approach to identify sector-specific "wicked problems". It fosters synergy between clinical expertise and health informatics practices, highlighting multidisciplinary knowledge and rigorous quality assessment. This approach incorporates creative touch, visual clarity and intuitive user interfaces. The evolution of translational health informatics also highlights the need for advancements in education and expertise, extending also to the training curricula of healthcare professionals. This thought-provoking book is an informed read for health professionals and students, health informatics designers, institutions, and healthcare consumers eager to understand and contribute to the advancements within this critical sector.

Marjo Rissanen is a senior consultant specializing in health informatics. She holds a Doctor of Science degree in neuroscience and biomedical engineering from Aalto University, Finland, and M.Sc. in healthcare administration from the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Medicine. She has conducted modeling work within translational health informatics, patient-specific cost analysis and related intensity issues. Her experience includes working as a designer in the health informatics industry, contributing to international development projects, and engaging in research and design activities involving big data analytics at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the University of Helsinki.

Kalle Saastamoinen is a researcher in defense technology with a PhD in applied mathematics and over 25 years of experience in academia and military research. He has led numerous projects at the Finnish National Defence University, focusing on simulation, artificial intelligence, and operational analysis. In March 2025, he joined the Simulator Centre of Excellence at the Finnish Army Academy, where he continues to explore cutting-edge applications of AI and modeling in military training and planning. His recent work investigates the use of generative AI, machine learning, and advanced forecasting methods, open-source intelligence, and autonomous systems. He is an active contributor to NATO research groups and has published extensively in peer-reviewed venues.

Tuija S. Ikonen serves as Professor of Patient Safety at the University of Turku and Director of the Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety. She is also a thoracic and vascular surgeon and a specialist in public health. Additionally, she acts as a Medical Advisor to the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre. She is a member of the supervisory body for client and patient safety strategy implementation at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and a former member of the advisory board for quality registers at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. She has published over 120 original and review articles on preclinical, clinical, and registry research, health technology assessment, quality improvement, healthcare administration and leadership.