PrintHealth Information Management Course Descriptions
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. Pre-requisites: Canadian Health Care System, Biomedical Sciences. (3 units)
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 Information Management Electives
Managing Health Privacy and Security
This course is a continuation of the Privacy, Confidentiality and Security course. The course will explore the various aspects of managing health privacy issues, confidentiality and access to health information. In particular, the course will examine the tools used to manage, control and disclose health information within organizations, taught within the framework of risk management. Learners will engage in activities to highlight the collaborative nature of the roles, responsibilities and professional standards between Health Information Managers and Health Informaticians. Emphasis will be placed on the learner's ability to evaluate, analyze and apply concepts from this course, and the Privacy, Confidentiality and Security course, in order to promote their knowledge and skills at the local, organizational level as well as the overall health care system. (3 units)
Pre -requisites: Canadian Health Care System, Privacy, Confidentiality and Security
Organizational Behaviour for the Health Sector
This course provides an overview of the theories, structures and functions found within the various components of a healthcare organization. The course will examine the how business characteristics apply to the healthcare setting, specifically, the management functions of planning, leading, organizing and controlling. Topics to be discussed include planning and decision-making, strategic planning, developing high performance teams, managing operations, leadership, managing innovation and change, organization culture, motivating and rewarding employees, and effective communication. Individual and group exercises and the analysis of case material relevant to the healthcare setting, and specific issues for HIM and HI professionals, will be used to enhance a practical understanding of theoretical concepts. (3 units)
Information Analysis & Data Analytics
This course incorporates the analysis of information and the extraction of data within the health information sector. The course will examine the processes for the selection and presentation of data by health information management professionals based on the needs of various stakeholders. The course will present information for the selection and organization of data in terms of supporting decisions made at different levels of the healthcare sector, and how HIM and HI professionals assess and meet stakeholder demands. Learners will apply statistical knowledge and applications to the analysis and reporting of health information. Finally, the role of the health information professional within research studies, and in support of research, will be discussed. (3 units)
Pre-Requisites: Health Information Management I, Health Information Management II, Information Systems and Technology