Senior Lecturer
Dr Chris Paton is the course director for the new online Digital Health postgraduate programmes (PGDipDigHeal and PGCertDigHeal) at the University of Otago and the head of the Global Heath Informatics research group at the University of Oxford, working on research projects based in Kenya and Vietnam.
Room 3.38, Otago Business School
Tel +64 3 479 8423
Email digitalhealth@otago.ac.nz
Background
Following his training as a medical doctor in the UK, he moved into Clinical Informatics and worked as a Clinical Lecturer at Otago and as a Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute for Health Innovation in New Zealand before moving back to the UK to join the University of Oxford. He received his Fellowship of the UK Faculty of Clinical Informatics in 2018 and became an Official Fellow of Reuben College, Oxford in 2019.
He is the Principal Investigator for the LIFE (Life-saving Instruction for Emergencies) project. LIFE is a smartphone-based simulation training platform that uses a virtual hospital environment to simulate medical emergencies to train healthcare workers. Launched in April 2019, LIFE has now been downloaded by thousands of healthcare workers in Africa and Dr Paton is now leading a clinical trial of the platform in Kenya funded by GCRF. In Vietnam, Dr Paton is a co-investigator on a Wellcome Trust Innovation Flagship based in Ho Chi Minh City that will develop and implement new AI-based monitoring devices in intensive care units (ICUs) in South-East Asia.
Dr Paton has served as a digital health consultant the New Zealand Government and the Pathways for Prosperity Commission in the UK. He co-founded and chaired the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) social media working group and is currently Chair of the IMIA open source working group. He is Associate Editor of “Digital Health Journal” (Sage Publishing) and “BMC: Medical Informatics and Decision Making”. He is a peer reviewer on digital health topics for scientific journals including Nature, PLOS One, JAMIA, JMIR, ANZJPH and serves as an expert grant reviewer for the UK’s Medical Research Council and the Research Council of Norway.
Papers
- DIGH701 Principles of Digital Health and Informatics
- DIGH703 Digital Health Technologies and Systems
Publications
Tran, D. M., Thwaites, C. L., Nuil, J. I. V., McKnight, J., Luu, A. P., & Paton, C. (2022). Digital health policy and programs for hospital care in Vietnam: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(2), e32392. doi: 10.2196/32392
McCool, J., Dobson, R., Whittaker, R., & Paton, C. (2021). Mobile health (mHealth) in low- and middle-income countries. Annual Review of Public Health. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052620-093850
Muinga, N., Paton, C., Gicheha, E., Omoke, S., Aberjirinde, I.-O. O., Benova, L., … Zweekhorst, M. (2021). Using a human-centred design approach to develop a comprehensive newborn monitoring chart for inpatient care in Kenya. BMC Health Services Research, 21, 1010. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-07030-x
Paton, C., Kushniruk, A. W., Borycki, E. M., English, M., & Warren, J. (2021). Improving the usability and safety of digital health systems: The role of predictive human-computer interaction modeling. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(5), e25281. doi: 10.2196/25281
Kobayashi, S., Falcón, L., Fraser, H., Braa, J., Amarakoon, P., Marcelo, A., & Paton, C. (2021). Using open source, open data, and civic technology to address the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic. Yearbook of Medical Informatics. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1726488
Paton, C. (2014). Analysis and linkage of data from patient-controlled self-monitoring devices and personal health records. In M. Househ, E. Borycki & A. Kushniruk (Eds.), Social media and mobile technologies for healthcare. (pp. 227-236). IGI Global. doi: 10.4018/978-1-4666-6150-9.ch013
Chapter in Book - Research
Muinga, N., Paton, C., Gicheha, E., Omoke, S., Aberjirinde, I.-O. O., Benova, L., … Zweekhorst, M. (2021). Using a human-centred design approach to develop a comprehensive newborn monitoring chart for inpatient care in Kenya. BMC Health Services Research, 21, 1010. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-07030-x
Journal - Research Article
Hagel, C., Paton, C., Mbevi, G., English, M., on behalf of the Clinical Information Network (CIN) information systems interest group. (2020). Data for tracking SDGs: Challenges in capturing neonatal data from hospitals in Kenya. BMJ Global Health, 5(3), e002108. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002108
Journal - Research Article
Muinga, N., Magare, S., Monda, J., English, M., Fraser, H., Powell, J., & Paton, C. (2020). Digital health Systems in Kenyan public hospitals: A mixed-methods survey. BMC Medical Informatics & Decision Making, 20(1), 2. doi: 10.1186/s12911-019-1005-7
Journal - Research Article
Tuti, T., Winters, N., Edgecombe, H., Muinga, N., Wanyama, C., English, M., & Paton, C. (2020). Evaluation of adaptive feedback in a smartphone-based game on health care providers’ learning gain: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(7), e17100. doi: 10.2196/17100
Journal - Research Article
Paton, C., & Kobayashi, S. (2019). An open science approach to artificial intelligence in healthcare. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 28(1), 47-51. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1677898
Journal - Research Article
Winters, N., Langer, L., Nduku, P., Robson, J., O'Donovan, J., Maulik, P., Paton, C., … Nagraj, S. (2019). Using mobile technologies to support the training of community health workers in low-income and middle-income countries: Mapping the evidence. BMJ Global Health, 4(4), e001421. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001421
Journal - Research Article
Kobayashi, S., Kane, T. B., & Paton, C. (2018). The privacy and security implications of open data in healthcare. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 27(1), 41-47. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1641201
Journal - Research Article
Muinga, N., Monda, J., Kamau, O., Houston, S., Fraser, H., Powell, J., … Paton, C. (2018). Implementing an open source electronic health record system in Kenyan health care facilities: Case study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(4), e22. doi: 10.2196/medinform.8403
Journal - Research Article
Paton, C., & Karopka, T. (2017). The role of free/libre and open source software in learning health systems. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 26(1), 53-58. doi: 10.15265/IY-2017-006
Journal - Research Article
Tuti, T., Nzinga, J., Njoroge, M., Brown, B., Peek, N., English, M., Paton, C., & van der Veer, S. N. (2017). A systematic review of electronic audit and feedback: Intervention effectiveness and use of behaviour change theory. Implementation Science, 12, 61. doi: 10.1186/s13012-017-0590-z
Journal - Research Article
Chantler, T., Paton, C., Velardo, C., Triantafyllidis, A., Shah, S. A., Stoppani, E., … Rahimi, K. (2016). Creating connections: The development of a mobile-health monitoring system for heart failure: Qualitative findings from a usability cohort study. Digital Health, 2. doi: 10.1177/2055207616671461
Journal - Research Article
Edgcombe, H., Paton, C., & English, M. (2016). Enhancing emergency care in low-income countries using mobile technology-based training tools. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 101(12), 1149-1152. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-310875
Journal - Research Article
English, M., Irimu, G., Agweyu, A., Gathara, D., Oliwa, J., Ayieko, P., … Paton, C., … Forrest, C. B. (2016). Building learning health systems to accelerate research and improve outcomes of clinical care in low- and middle-income countries. PLoS Medicine, 13(4), e1001991. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001991
Journal - Research Article
Kumar, P., Paton, C., & Kirigia, D. (2016). I've got 99 problems but a phone ain't one: Electronic and mobile health in low and middle income countries. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 101(10), 974-979. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308556
Journal - Research Article
Tuti, T., Bitok, M., Malla, L., Paton, C., Muinga, N., Gathara, D., … on behalf of the Clinical Information Network. (2016). Improving documentation of clinical care within a clinical information network: An essential initial step in efforts to understand and improve care in Kenyan hospitals. BMJ Global Health, 1(1), e000028. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000028
Journal - Research Article
Tuti, T., Bitok, M., Paton, C., Makone, B., Malla, L., Muinga, N., … English, M. (2016). Innovating to enhance clinical data management using non-commercial and open source solutions across a multi-center network supporting inpatient pediatric care and research in Kenya. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 23(1), 184-192. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocv028
Journal - Research Article
Rahimi, K., Velardo, C., Triantafyllidis, A., Conrad, N., Shah, S. A., Chantler, T., … Paton, C., … on behalf of the SUPPORT-HF Investigators. (2015). A user-centred home monitoring and self-management system for patients with heart failure: A multicentre cohort study. European Heart Journal: Quality of Care & Clinical Outcomes, 1(2), 66-71. doi: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcv013
Journal - Research Article
Triantafyllidis, A., Velardo, C., Chantler, T., Shah, S. A., Paton, C., Khorshidi, R., … on behalf of the SUPPORT-HF Investigators. (2015). A personalised mobile-based home monitoring system for heart failure: The SUPPORT-HF Study. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 84(10), 743-753. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2015.05.003
Journal - Research Article
Glover, M., Kira, A., Gentles, D., Cowie, N., Paton, C., & Moetara, W. (2014). The WERO group stop smoking competition: Main outcomes of a pre- and post- study. BMC Public Health, 14, 599. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-599
Journal - Research Article
Paton, C., Hansen, M., Fernandez-Luque, L., & Lau, A. Y. S. (2012). Self-tracking, social media and personal health records for patient empowered self-care: Contribution of the IMIA Social Media Working Group. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 7, 16-24. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1639425
Journal - Research Article
Mabotuwana, T., Warren, J., Elley, C. R., Kennelly, J., Paton, C., Wai, K. C., & Wells, S. (2011). Quality indicators to measure blood pressure management over a time interval. Informatics in Primary Care, 18(3), 149-156.
Journal - Research Article
Paton, C., Bamidis, P. D., Eysenbach, G., Hansen, M., & Cabrer, M. (2011). Experience in the use of social media in medical and health education: Contribution of the IMIA Social Media Working Group. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 6(1), 21-29. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1638732
Journal - Research Article
Atalag, K., Kingsford, D., Paton, C., & Warren, J. (2010). Putting health record interoperability standards to work. Electronic Journal of Health Informatics, 5(1), e1.
Journal - Research Article
Mabotuwana, T., Warren, J., Elley, C. R., Kennelly, J., Paton, C., Warren, D., … Wells, S. (2010). Use of interval based quality indicators in blood pressure management to enhance quality of pay for performance incentives: Comparison to two indicators from the Quality and Outcomes Framework. Quality in Primary Care, 18(2), 93-101.
Journal - Research Article
Warren, J. R., Day, K. J., Paton, C., Warren, D. E., Mabotuwana, T. D. S., Gu, Y., … Reedy, W. (2010). Implementations of health information technologies with consumers as users: Findings from a systematic review. Health Care & Informatics Review Online, 14(3), 2-28.
Journal - Research Article
Warren, J., Goodyear-Smith, F., Miller, D., Warren, D., Paton, C., Mabotuwana, T., & Arroll, B. (2010). An integrated electronic lifestyle and mental health patient self-assessment for general practice: Design and initial field study. Health Care & Informatics Review Online, 14(4), 18-25.
Journal - Research Article
Paton, C., & Malik, M. A. (2008). Open source and free, web-based medical software. Health Care & Informatics Review Online, 12(2), 17-24. Retrieved from http://www.hinz.org.nz/journal/2008/6
Journal - Research Article
Tran, D. M., Thwaites, C. L., Nuil, J. I. V., McKnight, J., Luu, A. P., & Paton, C. (2022). Digital health policy and programs for hospital care in Vietnam: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(2), e32392. doi: 10.2196/32392
Journal - Research Other
Fernandez-Luque, L., Kushniruk, A. W., Georgiou, A., Basu, A., Petersen, C., Ronquillo, C., Paton, C., … Zhu, X. (2021). Evidence-based health informatics as the foundation for the COVID-19 response: A joint call for action. Methods of Information in Medicine. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1726414
Journal - Research Other
Kobayashi, S., Falcón, L., Fraser, H., Braa, J., Amarakoon, P., Marcelo, A., & Paton, C. (2021). Using open source, open data, and civic technology to address the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic. Yearbook of Medical Informatics. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1726488
Journal - Research Other
McCool, J., Dobson, R., Whittaker, R., & Paton, C. (2021). Mobile health (mHealth) in low- and middle-income countries. Annual Review of Public Health. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052620-093850
Journal - Research Other
Muinga, N., Abejirinde, I.-O. O., Paton, C., English, M., & Zweekhorst, M. (2021). Designing paper-based records to improve the quality of nursing documentation in hospitals: A scoping review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30, 56-71. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15545
Journal - Research Other
Paton, C., Kushniruk, A. W., Borycki, E. M., English, M., & Warren, J. (2021). Improving the usability and safety of digital health systems: The role of predictive human-computer interaction modeling. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(5), e25281. doi: 10.2196/25281
Journal - Research Other
McKnight, J., Wilson, M. L., Banning, P., Paton, C., Bahati, F., English, M., & Fleming, K. (2020). Use of LOINC for interoperability between organisations poses a risk to safety: Authors' reply. Lancet Digital Health, 2(11), e570. doi: 10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30247-8
Journal - Research Other
McKnight, J., Wilson, M. L., Banning, P., Paton, C., Bahati, F., English, M., & Fleming, K. (2019). Effective coding is key to the development and use of the WHO Essential Diagnostics List. Lancet Digital Health, 1(8), e387-e388. doi: 10.1016/S2589-7500(19)30196-7
Journal - Research Other
Sheik-Ali, S., Edgcombe, H., & Paton, C. (2019). Next-generation virtual and augmented reality in surgical education: A narrative review. Surgical Technology International, 35, 27-35. [Review].
Journal - Research Other
Tuti, T., Winters, N., Muinga, N., Wanyama, C., English, M., & Paton, C. (2019). Evaluation of adaptive feedback in a smartphone-based serious game on health care providers' knowledge gain in neonatal emergency care: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(7), e13034. doi: 10.2196/13034
Journal - Research Other
Hansen, M. M., Miron-Shatz, T., Lau, A. Y. S., & Paton, C. (2014). Big Data in science and healthcare: A review of recent literature and perspectives: Contribution of the IMIA Social Media Working Group. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 9, 21-26. doi: 10.15265/IY-2014-0004
Journal - Research Other
Paton, C. (2014). Massive open online course for health informatics education. Healthcare Informatics Research, 20(2), 81-87. doi: 10.4258/hir.2014.20.2.81
Journal - Research Other
Paton, C., Malik, M., & Househ, M. (2014). Disseminating health informatics research and Informatics in Developing Countries and the Health Informatics Forum MOOC. Australasian Epidemiologist, 21(1), 29-32. [Commentary].
Journal - Research Other
Ahmed, O. H., Sullivan, S. J., Schneiders, A. G., Anderson, L., Paton, C., & McCrory, P. R. (2013). Ethical considerations in using Facebook for health care support: A case study using concussion management. PM&R, 5(4), 328-334. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2013.03.007
Journal - Research Other
Glover, M., Bosman, A., Wagemakers, A., Kira, A., Paton, C., & Cowie, N. (2013). An innovative team-based stop smoking competition among Maori and Pacific Island smokers: Rationale and method for the study and its evaluation. BMC Public Health, 13, 1228. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1228
Journal - Research Other
Paton, C., Househ, M., & Malik, M. (2013). The challenges of publishing on health informatics in developing countries [Invited]. Applied Clinical Informatics, 4(3), 428-433. doi: 10.4338/aci-2013-04-ie-0030
Journal - Research Other
Malik, M., & Paton, C. (2008). Why is there is a lack of open source initiatives for electronic health record systems in Pakistan? Journal of Health Informatics in Developing Countries, 2(1). Retrieved from https://www.jhidc.org/index.php/jhidc/index
Journal - Research Other
Murray, P. J., Cabrer, M., Hansen, M., Paton, C., Elkin, P. L., & Erdley, W. S. (2008). Towards addressing the opportunities and challenges of Web 2.0 for health and informatics. Yearbook of Medical Informatics, 44-51. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1638582
Journal - Research Other
Paton, C. (2008). Guest editorial. Health Care & Informatics Review Online, 12(2), 4. Retrieved from https://www.hinz.org.nz
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Tuti, T., Paton, C., & Winters, N. (2020). Learning to represent healthcare providers knowledge of neonatal emergency care: Findings from a smartphone-based learning intervention targeting clinicians from LMICs. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Learning Analytics & Knowledge. (pp. 320-329). ACM. doi: 10.1145/3375462.3375479
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Tuti, T., Paton, C., & Winters, N. (2019). Exploring the quality of skill-mastery prediction from Bayesian network learner models for smartphone-based paediatric care training in low-resource settings. Proceedings of the World Conference on Mobile and Contextual Learning. (pp. 29-36). Retrieved from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/210598
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Tuti, T., Paton, C., English, M., & Winters, N. (2019). Building a learner model for a smartphone-based clinical training intervention in a low-income context: A pilot study. In M. Scheffel, J. Broisin, V. Pammer-Schindler, A. Ioannou & J. Schneider (Eds.), Transforming Learning with Meaningful Technologies: Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Vol. 11722). (pp. 55-68). Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-29736-7_5
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper