HITS (Health Informatics Training System), an online, self-directed training and certification solution for all healthcare workers has been running successfully in Ireland for several years. It will make its debut into the continental European market this spring when it is translated into Spanish and Catalan. 

Developed in Ireland, this programme has international appeal, and has been supported by HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) and Coach Canada.   The Spanish and Catalan versions of HITS will be launched at the World of Health IT Conference & Exhibition being held in conjunction with the Annual High Level e-Health Conference in Barcelona this year. This conference is organised by the European Commission and the Spanish EU Presidency from March 15-18, 2010.

Background to HIMSS
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) is a comprehensive healthcare-stakeholder membership organisation exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. 

Background to HITS
Developed by ICS Skills in partnership with the Health Informatics Society of Ireland, HITS is a response to the needs of healthcare employees who require a clear understanding of the technologies used in this sector and their contribution to administrative and clinical best practice. 

HITS Level 1 - Basic Concepts of Health Informatics covers topics ranging from data processing and electronic record keeping to decision-support systems and security. Future HITS levels are planned which will focus on specialist areas within health informatics.

HITS is delivered online, where candidates can also access study aids including quizzes and a sample test. The course is self-study; approximately 20 hours study time is required. On completion candidates sit an online test in a supervised test environment.  HITS certification is awarded by ICS Skills.

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