Course description
In this course, students will gain a foundational understanding of the key components of health and wellness, along with an overview of how health care is delivered across Canada. Students will examine concepts of health and illness, and delve into the cost, structure, and function of the Canadian health care system at regional, provincial, federal, and international levels. Students will explore the data requirements and applications within the system, while developing insight into the evolving roles and responsibilities of Health Information Management (HIM) professionals.
Course content
- The Canadian health system, with a focus on health data and information management
- Roles and responsibilities of the HIM professional
- The evolution of Canadian health care
- The Canadian health insurance model
- The Canada Health Act
- Concepts of health, wellness, illness, disease and disability
- Population health and the main determinants of health
- The federal-provincial jurisdictional framework, including principles of consent, data security and privacy
- Ethics, morals, values and duties in health care
- Structural and organizational elements of provincial and territorial ministries of health
- Categories and regulation of health care providers in Canada
Learning activities
Some or all of the following methods will be used:
- lecture/discussion
- group work
- group discussions and exercises
- independent research
- quizzes
- instructor feedback on students' work
- individual consultation
- presentation (individual or group)
Means of assessment
Assessment will be based on course objectives andwill be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
This is a Letter graded course. All assignments must be completed to pass the course.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the key concepts of health, wellness, illness, disease, and disability;
- Explain the main models of health;
- Explain the key concepts of population health and the main determinants of health;
- Describe the health care legislation, classifications, and federal-provincial jurisdictional framework, including the structural elements of provincial and territorial ministries of health;
- Apply legal requirements for data security and confidentiality in an electronic and a hybrid environment;
- Apply ethical theories and considerations in health care;
- Understand basic objectives and responsibilities of Health Canada, exploring current issues and future trends in Canadian health care;
- Outline the levels and mechanisms of health care funding in Canada; and
- Discuss categories and regulations of health care providers in Canada.
Textbook materials
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.