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. As such, highly skilled and qualified managers are needed throughout the health care system. There are continuing improvements in services and health information. However, these need to be guided by qualified leaders who understand the challenges and priorities of health care. 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.

Aims

This unit provides an introduction to the field of health information and its uses and applications in the health industry. It 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.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. define health data and be able to 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. describe the characteristics used to 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. demonstrate an understanding of how computer technology can be used in the management of health services and patient care
   
7. discuss the issues of security, confidentiality, privacy, freedom of information and ethics as they apply to health information
   
8. develop basic data management skills in order to manage a small health dataset.

Content

This unit will include:

1. basic concepts: health, data, information, knowledge
   
   • What is health information?
     
   • definitions, dimensions and attributes of health information
     
   • information as a resource including key users and applications of health information
     
   • levels of data and information
   
   
   
2. data management principles
   
   • sources: primary, secondary and other
     
   • content of health care records
   
   
   
3. principles and importance of documentation
   
   • data analysis and reporting
     
   • data management, knowledge management
     
   • data quality and audit
     
   • data requirements
     
   • data requirements for different health care settings and different users
     
   • variation in information sources and discriminating between sources
     
   • health information on the internet
   
   
   
4. information privacy, confidentiality, FOI, consent, security and ethics
   
5. health computer software and other health technologies such as Information and Communications Technology
   
6. electronic health records.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be delivered in a variety of modes including internal, external and in block delivery format.
It will be delivered in a flexible mode utilising teaching and learning approaches including face-to-face workshops/seminars and independent learning modules. This will be supported by readings, case studies and your unit's online page.

Assessment

There are two assessments to be completed throughout the semester. There will be one essay addressing the unit content and management. The other assessment is case-based and will assess knowledge, principles and skills in information management.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. Feedback on the activities conducted in tutorials will form the basis of the formative assessment. In addition, written and oral feedback associated with the marking of assessment will constitute formative assessment for the unit.

Assessment name: Essay
Description: You will be required to produce an essay of 2500 words based on your assessment of the status of the Australian Health Information System
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: You will be write an essay of 2500 words and based on a identifying areas for improvement in the Australian Health Information System.
Relates to objectives: 3-8
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of 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

Reference texts which are relevant to the unit will be identified. There is no single text for this unit, but you will be provided with specific materials on commencement of the unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit except for those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

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: 17-Oct-2012