Health Informatics Course Descriptions

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Core Courses

Health Information Management I

The course covers fundamental theories and principles of health information management including data types, data acquisition, data standards, data quality and data uses and users. Learners will develop an appreciation of how data is collected, processed and used in healthcare settings and the role that data plays in decision-making (including an understanding of the complexities involved in transforming data into information and knowledge). The course will introduce learners to the roles and responsibilities of the HIM professional in the storage, use, retention and destruction of health records in both paper and electronic record systems and the central role of health information management in quality assurance and performance improvement, planning and management of resources, risk management, research and education. (3 units)

Pre-requisites:Canadian Health Care System, Biomedical Sciences.

Health Information Management II - Coding and Classification of Health Data

Improvements and increased efficiencies in the health care system depend upon the collection and coding and classification of health data. Once captured in a standard format, health data can be used to support management, planning and delivery of health services, research and education. The principles of data quality and the ICD-10-CA classification system, the current standard within Canadian hospitals and health facilities, will be examined and applied in a laboratory component that includes working with a coding tool, and coding exercises for the ICD-10-CA, CCI and SNOMED codes. (3 units)

Pre-requisite: Health Information Management I; Biomedical Sciences

Professionalism, Ethics and Professional Standards

This course will present the professional, ethical and legal standards expected of the Health Information Manager and Health Informatics professional. Learners will understand the guidelines and codes of conduct established by the professional associations for each field (CHIMA, COACH).A review of provincial, national and international HIM and HI organizations and their professional standards and code of ethics will be conducted to demonstrate the inter-related nature of the professional expectations for Health Information Managers and Health Informaticians. Course activities will encourage learners to investigate the parameters of their legal and ethical duties as HIM and HI professionals, as they work collaboratively, to understand the importance of ethics and professional standards for the protection of personal health information. (3 units)

Privacy, Confidentiality and Security

This course will examine the "concepts, principles and applications of the rights and obligations related to individual access, privacy and confidentiality of personal health information" (CHIMA, 2010, 21). This examination will involve health information data and records in both paper and electronic formats. The course will review legal regulations and legislations currently in place for the collection, use, storing and sharing of personal health information. Learners will study privacy requirements, responsibilities and risks associated with the life cycle of personal health information as Health Information Managers, Health Informaticians, and members of a health care organization. Various legal, ethical and professional standards as they relate to privacy and access will be presented, discussed and critically analyzed from the perspective of the consumer, organization and Health Information professional. (3 units)

Information Systems and Technology

This course is designed to develop the learner's understanding of the different types of information systems used in the health care sector, and how these systems interact with one another for the safe and secure exchange of personal health information. The course will present the key technology and information system concepts and components used throughout the information life cycle. Learners will examine the relationships between health information stakeholders in terms of how health records are collected, stored, accessed, shared, maintained, and secured in health information systems. (3 units)

Pre-requisites: Health Information Management I, Health Information Management II

 

Health Informatics Electives:

Systems Analysis and Evaluation

This course will present the technical foundations required for effective systems analysis design and implementation. The course will build on technical foundations by incorporating project management elements and managerial strategies, for the professional involved in various stages of system design, analysis and evaluation. Learners will explore traditional (structured) and object-oriented (OO) approaches to systems analysis and design, and will apply the knowledge and skills to case studies and applications for the field of health informatics. (3 units)

Health Information Systems & Data Analysis

The focus of this course involves the study of health data retrieval, analysis and presentation by the Health Informatics professional. Learners will critically examine the role of the Health Informatican to develop, maintain, and retrieve critical data from the information systems commonly found in health care. Issues of the presentation of data, quality assurance, and research will be explored as the Health Informatics professional contributes to, and aids in the facilitation of, the decision-making process. (3 units)

IT Project Management

This course will focus on the key components of effective project management, as applied to the work environment of the Health Informatics and IT professional. Learners will learn the fundamentals of project management, including project life cycle, stakeholder engagement, initiating a project, and planning, executing, and closing a project. These project management essentials will be explored further as learners apply the project life cycle within the context of IT as issues of outsourcing, quality standards, cost and risk management will be discussed. Course activities will provide the opportunity for Health Informatics professionals to learn, analyze and apply project management principles to their professional field. (3 units)