The NHS is investing heavily in digitisation and health informatics projects are at the forefront of continuously improving patient care. 

Project and programme managers in health informatics work on projects such as delivering digital systems for staff to record, analyse, extract and use data for the benefit of patients; improving the way information is shared across healthcare organisations, or developing a healthcare app. 

This page has information about the opportunities and roles in project and programme management within health informatics.

Working life

Much of the work will involve the development and implementation of new IT systems or applications, such as on-line patient records or systems that support the integration of hospital and community services. You will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered within quality, time and cost constraints. 

Roles

Explore some of the roles in project and programme management in health informatics:

Business analyst

A business analyst investigates and improves an organisation’s structures, systems and processes. Their work will involve:

  • interviewing key stakeholders such as healthcare professionals and senior managers 
  • reviewing documentation
  • monitoring current live IT systems and environments
  • looking at the functionality and data structure of information systems
  • analysing structures, systems processes and policies
  • co-ordinating and drafting performance and similar reports of current systems
  • making improvements to IT systems as a result of their analysis

Progamme and project support officer

A programme and project support officer provides support to management teams for one or more programmes or projects. Their role is likely to include:

  • setting up and maintaining project documentation
  • producing project reports
  • carrying out research and development to support the project(s) or programme(s)
  • monitoring project risks and achievement of milestones.

Senior project or programme manager

A senior project or programme manager leads and manages complex projects that deliver benefits to health and healthcare. Their role is likely to include:

  • planning and securing resources for the project or programme
  • managing the project or programme team
  • identifying and managing risks
  • ensuring the project or programme stays on track and delivers on time
  • building, sustaining and facilitating relationships with project or programme stakeholders