Certificate in Health Informatics

This course draws from current literature and practice on information systems and/or operations management. The topics change from semester to semester, depending on student and faculty interest and may include: project management, e-business, management science with spreadsheets, e-procurement, executive information systems, ethics, and other socio-economic factors in the use of information technology. (Prerequisite: IS 500 or permission of instructor).

This course focuses on the evaluation and utilization of information systems and technology in order to support and improve patient care and healthcare systems, provide leadership within healthcare systems and/or academic settings, and impact quality improvement initiatives with emphasis on the macro and meso system levels. Discussion focuses on the design, selection and utilization of information systems as a means to evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care, and care systems. In addition, students will evaluate the use of information systems and technology resources to implement quality improvement initiatives, support practice and administrative decision-making, and apply budgetary and productivity tools to support and improve patient outcomes. Discussion of the legal, ethical and cultural issues as they relate to the use of information technology for improvement of healthcare will be woven throughout the course. (42 theory hours)

This course offers insights into the capabilities of modern software and computing systems, allowing prospective technology managers to discriminate between effective and ineffective applications of software and network systems - considerations essential to managing businesses that depend upon efficient data and information processing. The course covers inputs, outputs, storage, transmission media and information processing, and networking. The course presents current Information Technology (IT) topics designed to enable one with knowledge vital to a successful career as a manager. The student is provided with a knowledge of: hardware and software fundamentals, system categories, overviews of programming languages, networks and communications concepts, ecommerce concepts, cloud and distributed computing, middleware, database technology, ERP with an overview of the SAP product, system planning, systems development methodologies, traditional and object oriented analysis and design techniques, software package evaluation & selection techniques, IT management issues and practices. In class case studies are discussed and lectures may at times delve into deeper technical matters. This course provides the student with both conceptual and managerial knowledge as well as practical hands on knowledge, useful in joint project team settings and designed to allow one to better lead and participate in company projects.

This course focuses on the analysis of healthcare policy principles that impact practice level and system-wide practice initiatives influencing quality of care delivery. Principles of healthcare financing and its impact on healthcare policy development across all stakeholders are evaluated. Students gain skills in participating in institutional, local, state, federal, and international health policy, influencing policy makers involved in healthcare. Current health policy is analyzed and new proposals debated on issues ranging from access for the uninsured to palliative care, mental health parity to long-term care reimbursement, and pay for performance to entry level education for health professionals. Analysis and debate considers differences in nations and cultures. (42 theory hours).