Health Informatics for Contact Tracing in a Pandemic Response: A Perspective

This paper delves into the pivotal role of health informatics in pandemic response, focusing on the recent COVID-19 pandemic as a real-world case study. Contact tracing emerges as a crucial non-pharmaceutical strategy for containing infectious disease outbreaks, especially for highly contagious asymptomatic diseases like COVID-19. While experts agree on its potential to curb disease spread, assessing the effectiveness of traditional contact tracing methods can be challenging. In this study, we embark on a comprehensive journey through peer-reviewed literature to explore how health informatics seamlessly integrates into the contact tracing process. We meticulously analyze its impact, from data collection and modeling to the delivery of healthcare services. By doing so, we shed light on the transformative role that health informatics plays in reshaping pandemic response and management. This paper offers a fresh perspective on the remarkable potential of health informatics in pandemic research and management, seeking to clarify its pivotal role.