This is a course in the application of information technology to public health practice, health care delivery, delivery system performance evaluation, and management.
decisions in public and private organizations that are responsible for the health of populations. The course is designed to foster student understanding of the development and management of information systems and their effective utilization in care delivery, health services administration, clinical quality improvement programs, population health management, and public health monitoring and planning. The course is also designed to develop elementary student knowledge of data warehousing, health informatics (turning health data into information), and health information exchanges, as applied to the continuously evolving public health and healthcare sectors. The course is designed to not only illustrate for students the power of information, especially if it is integrated across systems and sectors, but also the challenges that this technology faces including privacy issues, project planning, financing, and implementation. Lastly, this course endeavors to showcase some of the leading edge health information systems evolving across the country, as well as touch on key considerations for global health information technology.
While the text for this course has a strong emphasis on public health information systems, many of the online lectures and supplemental readings emphasize health care information systems. As such, there will be a dual learning track for this course, with the intent of illustrating the potential for integrating the two in order to achieve greater public health impact than either track could achieve on its own.
At the end of this course, you should be able to do the following:
The following are general public health competencies that this course addresses:
Students are expected to complete the following (see below for details):
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Forum Discussion -- Initial Post (Essay), Weeks 1-8 (4% each) | 32% |
Forum Discussion -- Response Posts, Weeks 1-4, 6, 8 (3% each) | 18% |
Comparative Analysis Report due Week 5 | 20% |
Final Exam due Week 7 | 30% |
Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Title: Introduction to Course and Health Information Systems
Overview:
This module provides an overview for the course and grounding information regarding health information systems, and introduces public health informatics and associated competencies, privacy, and ethics considerations, as well as the governmental context it operates within.
Applicable Course Objectives : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Online Lecture: Introduction to Health Information Systems
Lecturer:
Reading Assignment (*=Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Forum Questions:
Title: Health Information Systems in Public Health
Overview:
This module provides an overview of health information systems in public health, including examples of key public health information systems.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1,2,3,5
Online Lecture: Health Information Systems in Public Health
Lecturer:
Reading Assignment (*=Required):
State and Federal regulations pertaining to public health registries. Note: All are MS Word documents on Blackboard.
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Forum Question:
Using the web link in this week’s course material for County Health Rankings (http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/) discuss the following: a) based on this week’s course material consider how this information was compiled and from what sources, and b) identify some surprises in the data for the county where you currently live.
Title: Health Information Systems in Health Care (Ambulatory and In-Patient)
Overview:
This module provides an overview of health information systems in the ambulatory care and hospital settings, in particular the challenges, opportunities, and implications of utilizing technology to automate and standardize clinical processes, data capture, and patient engagement.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1, 3, 4, 5
Online Lecture: Health Information Systems in Health Care (Ambulatory and In-Patient)
Lecturer:
Reading Assignment (*=Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Forum Question:
Please discuss why you do or do not think physician practices’ and hospitals’ health information systems will: a) improve the health of the people they serve, b) reduce healthcare costs, c) improve patient safety, d) improve their patients’ experience of care, and e) improve the public’s health in the communities these providers serve.
Title: Information Management Systems Used by Health Insurers and Lessons in Project Management
Overview:
This module provides an overview of health information systems used by both public and private insurers to showcase lessons learned in managing health information system projects. This module pays particular attention to related principals of project management and evaluation methods.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1, 4, 5
Online Lectures:
Information Systems Used by Health Insurers and Lessons in Project Management: 4 A) Information Systems Used by Health Insurers AND 4B) The Mainecare Experience with Health Information Systems – Lessons Learned
Lecturers:
Reading Assignment (*= Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Forum Question:
Based on this week’s course material, a) describe key lessons learned for managing health information system projects, and b) discuss the implications to health insurers (public and private) when their health information systems do not operate properly due to inadequate implementation.
Title: Introduction to Health Care Informations
Overview:
This module marks a key point in the course where we move from discussing more transactional (operational data processing) health information systems to exploring more informatics (data analysis/reporting) oriented systems that turn data into information; reviewing data warehousing principles and public health informatics standards, we use the quality of care measurement in the healthcare sector as an example.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1,2,3,5
Online Lectures:
Introduction to Health Care Informatics: 5A) Introduction to Data Warehousing Health Information AND 5B) How Health Informatics Support Accountability for Quality Care
Lecturers:
Reading Assignment (*= Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Data Warehousing Health Information
How Health Informatics Supports Accountability for Quality of Care
Written Assignment:
Assignment Due:
Comparative Analysis Report Due by Wednesday, 2/10/2016 at 11:59PM through the Assignment Section of Blackboard.
Forum Question:
Imagine you are responsible for measuring the quality of diabetic care for a health system that has more than one electronic medical record system (transactional), with limited reporting (informatics) capacity.
Based on this module’s course material, what would be your most critical success factors for MEASURING the quality of diabetic care delivered by each of the physicians to: a) establish their baseline performance, b) benchmark their performance by comparing to peers and national performance results, and c) evaluate the impact of clinical care process improvements your health system will implement to improve care.
Note: No response posts are due this week.
Title: Health Informatics and Population Health Management
Overview:
This module focuses on the health care transformation (e.g. advanced primary care) and the technology and informatics required for the requisite population health management. It also focuses on technology solutions related to improving the delivery of care and health of populations.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1,2,3,5
Online Lecture: Health Informatics and Population Health Management
Lecturer:
Reading Assignment (*= Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Assignment:
Final Exam is posted (open book and open for two weeks)
Forum Question:
From the link provided below, read the article and watch the video of Dr. Jeffrey Brenner about the revolutionary approach by the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.
Based on this and other material from this week, discuss the implications for the public health sector as the healthcare sector transforms, whereby providers (hospitals, physicians, nurses, etc.) become increasingly accountable for using data to manage a population’s health rather than only individuals’ health.
Title: Health Information Exchanges
Overview:
This module explores health information exchanges, a key technology that links disparate EHR data for health care providers and offers the opportunity for public health agencies and health care providers to connect and share critical data to improve health and efficiency.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Online Lecture: Health Information Exchanges
Lecturer:
Reading Assignment (*=Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Assignment Due:
Final Exam is due Wednesday, 2/24/2016 by 11:59PM
Forum Question:
Based on this week’s material, consider the Side Bars (case studies) in the RWJF Information Links Report (see pp. 27-41 of the web link provided this week), and discuss which of the four case studies (1. Michigan Capital Area; (2. Austin / Travis County, TX; (3. Santa Cruz County, CA; and (4. New York City) strikes you as the most compelling and exciting public health opportunity for connecting public health and health care data, and why?
Note: No response posts are due this week.
Title: Global Health Information Technology Considerations and Course Epilogue
Overview:
This module is focused on global health information technology and the considerations that differ from U.S. health information systems, as well as the future of public health informatics. And the course instructor closes the course with a summary epilogue for students.
Applicable Course Objectives: 1, 3, 4, 5
Online Lecturers: Global Health Information Technology Innovation; Course Epilogue: 8A) Global Health Information Technology Innovation AND 8B) Epilogue to Course – Health Information Systems
Lecturers:
Reading Assignment (*=Required):
Links to Web Sites:
Written Assignment:
Forum Question:
Leveraging this week’s course material and http://www.healthmap.org/en/ to aid your exploration, describe unique challenges and opportunities that global health information technology presents for public health practice.
Note: The Initial Posting for this week is due on Friday, 2/26/2016 at 11:59PM. The response postings for this final week are due by Sunday, 2/28/2016, 11:59PM as that is when the course ends.
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Public Health page
UNE's Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of free online services to support your academic achievement. Writing support, ESOL support, study strategy and learning style consultations, as well as downloadable resources, are available to all matriculating students. The SASC also offers tutoring for GPH 712 Epidemiology, GPH 716 Biostatistics, GPH 717 Applied Epidemiology, GPH 718 Biostatistics II, and GPH 719 Research Methods. To make an appointment for any of these services, go to une.tutortrac.com. For more information and to view and download writing and studying resources, please visit:
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
During weeks 1-7, assignments submitted after the due date will receive a 5% penalty for each day the assignment is late. Late papers will not be accepted after 5 days. In week 8, the same penalty applies, however late assignments will not be accepted after the course end date on Sunday at 11:59 pm. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Your instructor may grant an extension without penalty for extenuating circumstances such as an emergency, serious illness, power outage, etc.
The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.
Online resources: AMA Style Guide
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Students are responsible for submitting work by the date indicated in Brightspace.
Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes and tests must be completed by the due date. They will not be accepted after the due date.
Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.