Practices in Health Informatics

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	SG_SPRAC_E06
Level	6
Duration	1 year
Credits	30
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Sligo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

Apply Now How to Apply

Apply Now How to Apply

Course Overview

Medical and Health Information Science primarily encompasses the field of health informatics which is typically defined “as the science of evaluating, implementing and utilizing technology to manage all information related to the patient care delivery process at all levels: clinical, financial, technological and enterprise. It is a multidisciplinary field, drawing from health information and computer science, psychology, sociology and engineering.

With the rise in the use of technology, there is an ever increasing in the healthcare sector to adopt Information and Communication Technology (ICT) n the delivery of their services (such as information systems in personalized medicine, eHealth, telemedical and mHealth (mobile health) systems, etc.) in order to improve services to patients and address structural challenges in the health service. With the current drive for electronic records and information exchange networks, health informatics and information management are the most relevant fields in healthcare efficiency today.

The role of medical and health information science in bridging the gaps between integrating IT systems across the healthcare sector and providing the necessary skills to implement, manage, audit and innovate within healthcare delivery systems has been highlighted as a pivotal building block in the implementation of Slaintecare.

The Certificate in Practices in Health Informatics will give participants the essential skills to attain employment or provide rationale for career progression for those working in the sector and be responsible for maintaining components of health information systems consistent with the medical, administrative, ethical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare delivery system. It will provide a Level 6 Certification of Science qualification in Practices in Health Informatics affording an introductory, applied level grounding in health informatics.

The modules across the 1 year will be delivered innovatively through various modes of online learning techniques. Course materials will be linked to real-world problems in the area of Healthcare delivery and students will learn how to manage and provide evidence-based solutions.

Graduates from this programme will have a strong grounding in all areas of healthcare systems delivery, management, audit and evaluation, governance and regulatory principles. They will also have the data analysis skills necessary to critically appraise areas of process inefficiency and develop alternative frameworks for enhancing outcomes. These skills will be needed globally as the current COVID-19 pandemic will necessitate large-scale systems audit and framework development to combat future potential threats to Public Health.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Healthcare Systems The aim of this module is to provide the student with an introduction to various healthcare system characteristics, functionality, performance and associated societal outcomes. Learning Outcomes 1. To identify the basic components of the health care delivery system and how these vary across countries 2. To become familiar with common methods of payment for healthcare services and how these relate to performance 3. To become familiar with emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems 4. To understand components and associated outcomes from healthcare delivery systems	05	Mandatory
1	Applied Health Statistics This course introduces the student to statistical techniques for analysing health related data. It provides the student with the ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques to data sets gathered during project work and also to comment on and rate techniques used in existing studies. The student will also be introduced to statistical techniques used to aid in the assessment of the health of a population. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the rationale for and methods of selecting appropriate samples for a study in a health related area 2. Use epidemiological data to evaluate the health status of a population 3. Choose and apply appropriate tests of hypotheses based on a research problem and the characteristics of a dataset. 4. Model the relationships between variables using appropriate statistical methods 5. Use an appropriate statistical software package to perform statistical analysis of data	05	Mandatory
1	Fundamentals of Health Economics The aim of this module is to present the student with the framework and analytical methods economists use to study the health economy and address key policy issues. The aim is to enable the student to analyse typical resource allocation problems involving health and healthcare understanding the trade-off between efficiency and equity. Learning Outcomes 1. To become familiar with the economic principles of healthcare delivery 2. To become familiar with the drivers of inefficiency in healthcare delivery 3. To understand government intervention in the delivery of healthcare and associated outcomes 4. To learn applied skills in health economic analysis and decision making	05	Mandatory
2	Introduction to Health Informatics This course introduces how information technology is applied in healthcare services.It will give the student an understanding of the integration of technology, people and information from a health perspective. The student will be introduced to Electronic Health Records, their structure and the purpose of them. The student will also be introduced to some of the software systems that are used within health related disciplines. Learning Outcomes 1. Define the basic components of informatics 2. Understand data, information, and knowledge from a health perspective 3. Explain the basic components of an Electronic Health Record and the purpose of it 4. Describe the applications of informatics to health related problems 5. List the different types of information systems used within health related disciplines	05	Mandatory
2	Introduction to eHealth This module introduces students to the concepts of eHealth, mHealth and related concepts in the use of information and communication technologies in healthcare. It explores the development of eHealth/mHealth systems and the challenges and issues around their development and roll out. The student will examine the current ICT infrastructure within the Irish healthcare system and look at the eHealth strategy and future plans. Students will also examine the benefits of successful implementation of eHealth systems and the benefits for patients and practitioners within the healthcare system. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand eHealth, mHealth and related concepts in the use of information and communications technology in healthcare. 2. Describe ways in which eHealth, mHealth and Telecare technologies could be developed, tested and applied within health related areas 3. Understand eHealth strategy within the Irish health system 4. Examine the requirements and components of an eHealth Ecosystem. 5. Explain the importance of Cloud and Mobile technologies in eHealth systems. 6. Identify the steps in the design and development of eHealth systems.	10	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

It is recommended that students should try to allow for 7 hours per week for a 5 credit module.

Examination and Assessment

This programme is assessed by both a final exams and continuous assessment.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No attendance required.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a National Framework of Qualifications Level 5 or equivalent and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligos RPL process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie

Fees

Total Fees EU: €2500

Further information on fees

Careers

The design of this programme is geared towards developing and professional skills and technical qualities to meet the current and future needs of the healthcare sector and its multi-faceted health information system. Graduates from this programme will be able to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, primary care facilities, home health agencies, insurance companies, government agencies (i.e. HSE. TULSA, HIQA, NCPE), information technology vendors, and pharmaceutical, medical devices and consultancy companies.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

This programme gives participants the essential skills to attain employment or provide rationale for career progression for those working in the sector and be responsible for maintaining components of health information systems consistent with the medical, administrative, ethical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare delivery system.