Syllabus

Schedule

Please notice that the length of the modules in this course vary from week to week. Some modules are one week long and some are two weeks long. Each module starts on Wednesday at 12:00 am Eastern Time (ET) and closes on Wednesday at 11:59 pm ET, with the exception of Module 5 (1.5 weeks), which ends on Sunday. All assignments must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on the due date. Please review the following schedule carefully for assignments and due dates.

Course Schedule at a Glance

Learning Modules	Topics	Assignments and Due Dates
1 (2 weeks) 1/3 – 1/17	Introduction to Healthcare IT and Healthcare Organizations and Operations	Introductory Discussion Download Pearson Network Simulator – Wednesday 1/10 Week 1 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday 1/7, responses by Wednesday 1/10 Week 2 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday,1/14, responses by Wednesday 1/17 Security Slide Presentation – Wednesday 1/17
2 (1 week) 1/17 – 1/24	Desktop PCs and Mobile Devices	Week 3 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday 1/21, responses by Wednesday 1/24 Virtual Computer Project – Wednesday 1/24
3 (2 weeks) 1/24 – 2/7	Data Networking in Healthcare	Week 4 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday 1/28, responses by Wednesday 1/31 Week 5 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday 2/4, responses by Wednesday 2/7 Network Simulator Labs & Screencast – Wednesday 2/7
4 (1 week) 2/7 – 2/14	Medical Business, Sharing Information, and Troubleshooting	Week 6 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday 2/11, responses by Wednesday 2/14 Troubleshooting Screencast Presentation – Wednesday 2/14
5 (1.5 weeks) 2/14 – 2/25	Healthcare Information Security	Week 7 Discussion – Initial post by Sunday 2/18, responses by Wednesday 2/21 Final Reflection Paper – Sunday 2/25

Detailed Course Schedule

Module 1 — Introduction to Healthcare IT and Healthcare Organizations and Operations (two weeks)

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss the current use of technology in society as a whole and in healthcare specifically
• Identify current PHI security practices found in healthcare
• Describe proper communication methods and PHI security procedures in the healthcare workplace

Course Materials:

• Read Chapters 1 and 2 in course text
• Gold, A. (2013, November 8). 3 tips for proactively protecting PHI. FierceHealthIT. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1466242760?accountid=12756.
• Chaudhary, R., & Ward, J. J. (2014). A practical approach to healthcare information security. Journal of Health Care Compliance, 16(3), 11-16,66.
• Grzybowski, D. M. (2012). Computer-assisted coding and the EHR. Medical Records Briefing, 27(10), 7-10.
• Software: Pearson CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Hands-on Lab Simulator

Assignments:

Introductory Discussion: Please use this forum to introduce yourselves to your instructor and to those classmates you don’t yet know. Briefly share your academic and professional backgrounds. What are you most interested in learning about during this course? What questions do you hope to have answered?

Week 1 Discussion — Technology today: Our society has become dependent on technology. There are businesses who completely rely on desktop computers and/or mobile devices to complete their daily tasks. Consider the following questions:

• Do you rely on technology to keep appointments?
• If technology were to disappear, how would you cope without a digital organizer, or virtual assistant?
• Do you believe our society relies too heavily on technology?
• What kind of impact do you think the lack of technology would have in the medical field?

Week 1 Assignment — Pearson (CompTIA Network+ N10-006) Hands-on Lab Simulator: Download the simulator, follow the installation instructions, register the simulator with Pearson and make a screencast showing that the simulator has been installed. See detailed instructions in Blackboard. Refer to the resources on screencasting in Blackboard for assistance.

Week 2 Discussion —PHI Security: There are a variety of ways to protect a patient’s records. If you work in a clinical environment, please provide us with various examples of how your clinic protects a patient’s (protected health information) PHI. If you do not work in a clinical environment, please provide us with multiple examples of simple security devices that will prevent unauthorized access to data. After identifying the devices/methods, tell us how effective each is, and if you would recommend it.

Week 2 Assignment — Security Slide Presentation: You have been hired as a new HIT coordinator at Salutem hospital. On your first day, you notice several violations for which the hospital could be fined. You make it a priority to protect electronic communications between clients and vendors. In addition to protecting electronic communications, you want to ensure all of the patient’s PHIs are protected. You decide to create a slideshow to address the new communications procedures and PHI security procedures for all employees to use as guide. Develop a 6-8 slide presentation to describe the new procedures you developed for electronic communications and patients’ PHIs. Refer to the Security Slide Presentation Rubric and assignment instructions for submission guidelines.

Module 2 — Desktop PCs and Mobile Devices (one week)

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify ways to protect information displayed on devices
• Identify desktop components
• Describe how to build a desktop workstation

Course Materials:

• Read chapter 3 in course text
• Ventola, C. L. (2014). Mobile devices and apps for healthcare professionals: Uses and benefits. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 39(5), 356–364.
• Watch Newegg Studios. (2011, May 13). Newegg TV: How to build a computer – Part 1 – Choosing your components [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw

Assignments:

Week 3 Discussion — Protecting Data From Prying Eyes: People can often see confidential information on our computer screens without us being aware of it. Privacy screens are simple but effective solutions to protect data that is displayed on a screen because one must look directly at the screen to see the information; anyone looking from an angle won’t be able to see it. Find three (3) other methods to protect displayed data. Describe each method, including information on cost and ease of use. Tell us which method(s) you would use to ensure the data is only viewed by authorized personnel and why you would choose those method(s).

Week 3 Assignment — Virtual Computer Project: Imagine you have been asked to build a fully operational desktop computer by purchasing the required components needed and assembling them. A $1000.00 budget has been set aside for this project. Make sure you include shipping cost and any state taxes. If there are leftover funds, feel free to purchase any peripherals such as a printer, speakers, or software. Remember, the goal is to stay at $1000.00 or under, so do not overspend! Submit a document which includes a table and a reflection. The table should contain the make, model and price of each item. The total price should appear in the final row of your table. Your reflection should include a detailed summary to explain why you selected each component and how how they are compatible with one another; you should also state whether or not you think building a PC is a good investment for your organization, or if you believe purchasing a system from a manufacturer would be better.

Here are recommended sites for pricing your computer components: (www.newegg.com, www.tigerdirect.com, www.pcmall.com). Websites such as Dell, Gateway, and HP cannot be used to configure your system. Purchase all pieces and parts separately. Refer to the Virtual Computer Project Rubric and assignment instructions for submission guidelines.

Module 3 —Data Networking in Healthcare (two weeks)

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss wireless networking in healthcare
• Explain how to set up basic networking

Course Materials:

• Read Chapter 4 in course text
• Software: Pearson CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Hands-on Lab Simulator

Assignments:

Week 4 Discussion — Wireless Networking: Most networks are set up to allow wireless connection, but caution needs to be taken to keep unauthorized devices from connecting to the network. How often and when do you use wireless connection outside of your home or workplace? How have wireless devices have been implemented in your place of employment? What type of encryption would you suggest to protect a hospital’s data from patients and visitors? Finally, how would you explain the advantages of mobile technology to a hospital’s board of directors?

Week 5 Discussion — Databases and Servers: Databases have been around for some time, and have essentially become part of our daily lives. Take a few minutes to think about everyday devices and how they are connected to a database. Provide the class with a minimum of five (5) examples of databases, and how each of them are used in both your personal and professional lives.

Week 4 and 5 Assignment — Network Simulator: You will have two weeks to work through the labs listed below. At the end of the second week, you will turn in a screencast documenting the work you did. Please don’t wait until the second week to begin this project. Back in week 1, you downloaded the Pearson CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Hands-on Lab Simulator. You will need that simulator to do the work for this module.

Please complete the labs listed below (sorted by category) to build basic troubleshooting skills, configure wireless settings, make standard patch cables and crossover cables, and develop user management skills. Once all of the labs are completed, create a screencast in which you show all your scores/results and discuss what you learned as a result of doing the labs. Which sections did you find particularly challenging? Use Screencast-O-Matic or another screencasting tool to create your video. When you are done, upload your screencast to YouTube and submit the link to your YouTube video in Blackboard. Refer to the Network Simulator Rubric and assignment instructions for submission guidelines.

Labs:

Matching:

IPv4 Address Types and Classes
Identifying Troubleshooting Commands to Use for Various Tasks
Security Terminology and Descriptions
Types of Network Threats and Attacks
Security Appliance Terminology and Methods

Drag and Drop:

Identify Common Cat5 Wiring Problems
Network Topologies
Create a Straight Cable and Test It
Create a Crossover Cable
Matching Command Output to Command

Simulation:

Verify a Data Link Connection from a Computer to a Network
Configuring a Client Network Adapter with an IPv4 Address
Using ipconfig to Discover Network Settings
Using ping to Troubleshoot Connectivity
Using ARP to Discover a MAC Address
Using ipconfig, ping, arp, and tracert Together to Troubleshoot Connectivity
Manually Configuring Wireless Signals on a Small Office/Home Router
Configuring Small Office/Home Office Router-Network User Security Settings
Troubleshooting Practice
Configuring Static Hostname Resolution on a Workstation
Using NSLookup for DNS Troubleshooting
DNS Troubleshooting Simulation
Configure an IP Address on a Switch with a Default Gateway
Configuring an Ethernet Interface on a Router
Using tracert to Troubleshoot Connectivity
Creating Network Users on a Domain Controller
Configuring a VPN client

Module 4 — Medical Business, Sharing Information, and Troubleshooting (one week)

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss the use of text messaging in professional situations
• Describe the clinical software troubleshooting process

Course Materials:

• Read Chapters 5 and 6 in course text
• Webpage: Your Mobile Device and Health Information Privacy and Security from HealthIT.gov (www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/your-mobile-device-and-health-information-privacy-and-security)
• PDF: Managing Mobile Devices in Your Health Care Organization from HealthIt.gov (www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/fact-sheet-managing-mobile-devices-in-your-health-care-organization.pdf)
• Watch Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. (2012, December 12). Worried about using a mobile health device for work? Here’s what to do! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz1ddGJn1PM

Assignments:

Week 6 Discussion — Text Messaging: The use of text messaging to provide reminders and updates to patients is a hot topic in healthcare these days. Text messaging is one of the easiest and quickest ways to reach people, but there are concerns about security. To gather a sense of how much text messaging is used in today’s society, tell us how many text messages you receive on a daily basis. How many are personal text messages, and how many are for business? What kind of information do you prefer to receive via text? via email? via a phone call? Do you think it is appropriate to send information to patients via text? Why or why not?

Week 6 Assignment — Troubleshooting Screencast Presentation: The troubleshooting process can be distilled into four steps:

Step 1: The system malfunctions and symptoms are identified.

Step 2: A list of possible causes is generated based on existing knowledge, research, and/or previous experience.

Step 3: Additional data is collected and, based on a process of elimination, the causes of the problem are determined.

Step 4: The solution is tested to confirm that the problem has been solved.

Read the scenario below and create a narrated slide presentation to describe the experiences the troubleshooter may encounter and to provide detail on how to solve the problem. Be sure to follow the steps of the troubleshooting process. Create a screencast of your presentation. Refer to the Troubleshooting Screencast Presentation Rubric and assignment instructions for submission guidelines.

Scenario: The Superior Care Health Group (SCHG) recently installed a new system for electronically sending patient prescriptions to pharmacies. This new e-prescribing system was working well until recently. Now the system is displaying errors periodically. When this occurs, the prescribing doctor has to call the prescription into the pharmacy, which takes much more time. The new office manager, Braden Thomas, is responsible for maintaining the system. Braden found an error-log file in the system. These errors are perplexing and contain cryptic messages:

07, incorSCRIPT error #34rect PVD format

PProc error #3212, Schedule 1 not allowed

PProc error #3245, not in formulary

After spending several hours changing various system configuration settings, the problems started getting worse. He finally realized that he doesn’t know enough about troubleshooting the system to correct the problems. Even worse, he doesn’t know whom to contact to solve the problem, other than the sales associate who sold SCHG the system. When he called that number, he was sent to voicemail. Meanwhile, the group’s doctors are expressing displeasure with his ability to manage the system.

Module 5 — Healthcare Information Security (two weeks)

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss how human error undermines security
• Describe the vulnerabilities of wireless networks
• Discuss current and future technology trends in healthcare

Course Materials:

• Read Chapters 7 and 8 in course text
• Scarfone, K., Souppaya, M., & Sexton, M. (2007). Guide to storage encryption technologies for end user devices (SP 800-111). Retrieved from the National Institute of Standards and Technology website: https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-111/final
• McNeal, M. (2014). Hacking Healthcare. Marketing Health Services, 34(3), 16-21.
• Watch HowTech. (2014, July 23). 5 things you didn’t know about public WiFi [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTEXgEHxkM0
• Hadnagy, C. (2012, March 29). RSA conference 2012: Human hacking exposed: 6 preventative tips that can save your company [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p40fZFAUz6U

Assignments:

Week 7 Discussion — Healthcare Information Security: Before responding to this week’s prompt, watch the two videos in the course materials. Organizations spend a lot of money ensuring that their networks are secure. However, people can circumvent all that expensive security through preying on the fallibility of an organization’s employees. In fact, human error is one of the top security vulnerabilities organizations face in today’s society. Two ways that an employee might inadvertently allow someone to access confidential materials are by falling prey to Social Engineering or by using insecure wireless networks.

Please comment on human error as a security vulnerability. Here are some questions that may help you formulate a comment:

• Can you think of a time when someone you know may have inadvertently provided sensitive work and/or personal information? What were the ramifications?
• Can you think of an instance when you used your mobile device (e.g., laptop, mobile phone, tablet) to connect to an unsecure wireless network to conduct important business such as banking transactions and/or updating work documents? If so, did you take the time to verify the legitimacy of the wireless hotspot? If so, how did you know that your wireless session was secure?

Week 8 Assignment — Final Reflection Paper: Like technology in general, health care technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and will become more integrated into the healthcare field as time goes on. Reflect back on the material covered in this course and write a 3-5 page paper discussing the following:

• current technology trends
• the importance of technology in healthcare
• why health information technology professionals have to maintain their skill set
• how future technology could potentially change the healthcare field

Refer to the Final Reflection Paper Rubric and assignment instructions for submission guidelines.

Student Resources

Online Student Support

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APA Style Guide

• https://www.apastyle.org

UNE Libraries:

• Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Blackboard/Brightspace.
• MSIN Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/health-informatics/
• Library Tutorial: Find an article
• Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.

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• UNE Student Academic Success Center

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Policies

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

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 Turnitin Student quick start guide.

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Course Evaluation Policy

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.

Attendance Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late 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.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

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.

UNE Online Student Handbook

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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.

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Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

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.