Course Description
Students are introduced to the field of health information systems and technologies (health informatics) including the infrastructure, clinical and interface terminologies and the resultant clinical communication and information exchange.
Course Content
In this course the learner will explore:
- The interoperability and shared terminologies of the health information framework
- The process of mapping health data utilizing Unified Medical Language System and Mapping
- The health information system standards including Health Level 7 (HL7), SNOMED and other national and international standards organizations
- The environmental basics required for true collaboration of health information systems
- The types and uses of various health information systems including stakeholders’ requirements
- Health information system infrastructure, technology and applications including the systems development lifecycle
- The purpose of enterprise systems and electronic health records, infrastructure, use and effectiveness
- The impact of stages of the health information management lifecycle on health information system planning, design, implementation and evaluation
Learning Activities
Some or all of the following methods will be used:
- lecture/discussion
- case study analysis
- group work
- group discussions and exercises
- independent research
- quizzes
- instructor feedback on students' work
- individual consultation
- presentation (individual or group)
Means of Assessment
The course evaluation is consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course. All assignments must be completed to pass the course.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, successful learners will be able to:
- Discuss the benefits and challenges of clinical communications and information exchange
- Interpret clinical and interface terminologies
- Explain health information systems infrastructure, technology and applications
- Examine the collaboration essential to the development of health information systems
- Understand the development of health information standards and the impact on health information management
- Comprehend various types of health information systems
- Discuss electronic health record systems including the implicit case for quality and change
- Comprehend the essential underpinning of the health information management lifecycle and the impact of each stage on health information systems and technology
Textbook Materials
A list of required and optional textbooks, materials and electronic applications is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.