Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
A Flexible Approach to Learning
SUBJECT OUTLINES
The Certificate comprises four subjects:
CPE7601 Healthcare Information Systems
CPE7602 Developing Health Information Systems
CPE7603 Contemporary Issues in Health Informatics
CPE7604 Health Information Systems Management
CPE7601 Healthcare Information Systems
Pre-requisites:
None.
Objectives:
At the completion of this subject, successful students should have: an understanding of the health information context; an understanding of general systems concepts and their application to health information systems; a knowledge and understanding of the information and processing required by typical health information systems; the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse, document and measure the performance of basic health information processes; an attitude that recognises opportunities for effective use of information technology in the healthcare context.
Synopsis:
The subject provides an overview of the health system and how health data is collected, stored and communicated, and how that data is processed into health information suitable for administrative and clinical decision making. Issues such as the language of healthcare, coding of data, EDI, Health Level 7 are considered. Basic concepts of systems thinking are then developed along with a consideration of types of health information systems and the operational and control features of these systems. Interactions between systems and subsystems are considered along with operational transaction processing systems. Process modelling techniques such as data flow diagrams are introduced as a means of modelling health information processes. Consideration is given to understanding and selecting processes for innovation and construction of appropriate customer interfaces. Tools and techniques are presented to help analyse and understand health information processes. Consideration is also given as to how information technology has radically changed the way that health information processes are performed.
CPE7602 Developing Health Information Systems
Pre-requisites:
None.
Objectives:
At the completion of this subject, successful students should be able to: demonstrate an awareness of the nature and role of technology, and the functions of hardware and software which can be used to support health information management; demonstrate an understanding of the major stages of developing a computerised information system; demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to model user requirements using simple entity relationship models, activity hierarchy diagrams and action diagrams; have the knowledge and skills necessary to transform entity relationship diagrams into table structures in a relational database, and to use the application generation facilities of a relational database system to construct a graphical user interface for a straightforward application; have an appreciation of quality assurance through documentation, user involvement and the review process; have an understanding of the steps that are necessary to integrate effectively new and existing systems.
Synopsis:
The subject includes an introduction to fundamental hardware and software concepts, operating systems and GUI environments. A range of Windows application software such as spreadsheet and database software is considered. The remainder of the course introduces the concept of the system development life cycle, and data and process modelling techniques. The various phases of the system development life cycle are considered in the context of a case study, using relational database software. Consideration is given to implementation of elementary information processes, definition of windows, forms, queries and reports. Appropriate system documentation techniques and quality assurance techniques are considered along with the development of test plans.
CPE7603 Contemporary Issues in Health Informatics
Pre-requisites:
CPE7601 - Healthcare Information Systems
Objectives:
At the completion of this subject, successful students should have: an appreciation of the role of decision support systems and the issues faced when seeking to incorporate such systems into health care environments; an understanding of current trends in health care and how they influence the development, implementation and utilisation of information systems; an understanding of available evaluation methodologies and the skills to select an appropriate mix of such methodologies in differing health care settings; an appreciation of the role of Internet based technologies in managing patient care.
Synopsis:
The subject provides an understanding of the various ways in which healthcare practitioners need to interact with current information. The role of electronic patient summaries, direct order entry with interactive decision support and identify best practice by analysis of resource utilisation and outcomes. The role of the Internet and associated technologies as they affect healthcare options is presented and explored. Evaluation methodologies relevant to the field of Health Informatics will also be included.
CPE7604 Health Information Systems Management
Pre-requisites:
CPE7602 - Developing Health Information Systems
Objectives:
At the completion of this subject, successful students should have: an understanding of the applications and issues related to telehealth systems; the skills to develop a functional specification for a desired information system; an understanding of the role of policy formulation and organisational change in the health care environment; the knowledge and skills required to discuss and comment on issues of privacy and confidentiality; the knowledge and skills required to discuss and reflect on issues relating to their current and future working environment.
Synopsis:
This subject includes organisational change issues in health care environments, resource management (inventory, tracking and acquisition) and the role of policy formulation. Consumer issues, standards and security and the provision of health information resources to health care workers will also be covered. Relevant applications and issues related to telehealth systems and the management of health services will be explored.
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