Introduction to Health Informatics: key concepts (P02828)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P02828

This course introduces key issues for Health Informatics at theoretical and applied levels. Details are provided but “systems thinking” is at the heart of this course. Students are left with knowledge and skills to examine existing practices and recommend change based on evidence and structured approaches.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : None other than programme entry requirements

? Co-requisites : This is a compulsory course for all candidates on the Cert/Dip/MSc in Health Informatics programme.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : The course will be delivered using RCSEd’s VLE with appropriate links to the University’s systems. Students will be expected to use a range of flexible learning methods including participation in discussion forums, online seminars and wikis and accessing resources in a range of formats e.g. pdf files, video clips, and audio files. In addition to the course materials and resources provided, candidates will be expected to use internet and published resources during self directed study and research.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Health Information, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Additional Class Information : The student will be expected to spend approximately 10 hours per week reading the course materials and additional/supplementary online and published resources; participating in online discussions and submitting required assignments.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

a) Critically discuss specific driving forces behind needs for Health Informatics within health and healthcare. These include:
• Aging populations and long-term conditions.
• Patient safety.
• Service quality.
• Growing public expectations.
• Remote communities.
• Limited resources.
• Rising costs.
b) Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of “health” and “healthcare systems” and the underlying role of Health Informatics in bringing change.
c) Distinguish between well defined processes and problems (hard systems) and more complex less well defined circumstances, typically involving people (soft systems).
d) Critically analyse what impact these factors have for introducing change and meeting the expectations of different stakeholders.
e) Explain the centrality of electronic health records as an integrating theme within and across providers and sectors.
f) Examine the technologies, technical and operational standards required to develop and integrate information systems, as well as the organisations and mechanisms behind
them.
g) Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to provide advice on the legislation governing collection and use of data at all levels of care delivery, monitoring and research.
h) Describe the stages – from needs assessment to operational systems – for implementing new or modified systems.
i) Undertake critical appraisal to support Evidence Based Practice applied to Health Informatics on small, medium and large scales.

Assessment Information

Course assessments relate to the learning outcomes. The summative work will be approximately 3000 words in total and be approved by the Programme Committee, on the recommendation of the Course Convenor. Combined with formative components, it may incorporate one or more of
the following:
• Essay style analysis or commentary
• Scenario analysis
• Critical/Significant incident analysis
• Reflective practice accounts
• Individual presentations
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Other relevant assessments