Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Technology infrastructure is impacting on the business of delivering health care services. An understanding of information concepts and frameworks for assessing computers and information systems will assist you to realise the potential for using technology to more effectively understand health information as a valuable resource in the health industry.

This unit gives an introductory overview of the field of health information and its uses and applications in the health industry. The unit provides a context for the study of contemporary health information and data management practice. The use of information as a strategic, organisational and management resource is discussed, and a broad appreciation of health information and data management procedures and philosophy is provided. Demands on the users of health information occasioned by advances in information technology are highlighted.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of:

· the diversity of health information resources available
· the benefits of high-quality and standardised health information for positive health outcomes and the management of health services
· the various technology platforms available (including telecommunications and the internet) and data organisation and management skills relevant to systems within the health industry context.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. distinguish health data from health information and health-related knowledge
2. describe the sources of health information, including the various data repositories held in hospitals, specialised health units and government agencies
3. evaluate the quality of data necessary for decision-making in the health sector
4. demonstrate an understanding of the uses of health information at patient care, management, service provision and strategic levels
5. describe the necessity for health information standards
6. discuss the issues of security, confidentiality, privacy, freedom of information and ethics as they apply to health information

Content

Topics will include:
· Basic concepts: health, data, information, knowledge
· What is health information
· Health information on the internet
· Data sources
· Data requirements
· Data quality and audit
· Variation in information sources and discriminating between sources
· Data analysis and reporting
· Data management, knowledge management
· Information privacy, confidentiality, FOI, consent, security and ethics
· Health computer software and other health technologies
· Electronic health records

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. The integration of theory and practice will be achieved by linking lectures, tutorials, problem-based learning activities and guest speakers.

An on-line teaching site for this unit will be maintained in Blackboard to facilitate communication. By using this site the student will be able to:
· access the Microsoft PowerPoint presentations prepared for the weekly lectures;
· access information regarding tutorial activities;
· access information and/or responses to common requests for clarification of content issues and assessment requirements;
· access marking criteria for assignments;
· access general information and other notices as required.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit. The learning activities are formative assessment in the form of weekly tutorial activities, problem-based activities, and computer laboratory activities which will be discussed during tutorial times. No formal marks are allocated for these activities but they are an important measure for you to determine how you are progressing in the unit's learning outcomes 1-6.

Assessment name: Annotated Bibliography
Description: You are required to produce an annotated bibliography based on health information. The purpose of this is to enable you to understand the sources of health information, the characteristics of the data and methods for identifying and utilising quality health information.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: You are required to complete a critical analytical reflection of your field trip experiences.
Relates to objectives: 2,4,5,6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: You are required to complete an analytical account of a HIM specific issue and class presentation.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit but a comprehensive reference list will be provided.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 12-Oct-2012