Course Descriptions

HINF 6100 Introduction to Health Informatics (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides a broad historical, technological, and theoretical framework for the study of health informatics. Consideration is given to the past, present, and future of this rapidly evolving discipline, with exploration of critical issues and challenges within the field, as well as potential applications, benefits, and opportunities for improving the management of health care through information technology. Special topics to be considered include the development of virtual and interactive health care through technology; the interoperability, standardization, safety, and risks associated with the implementation of the electronic health record; and the emergence and adoption of new information technologies. Professional roles and responsibilities related to managing health information technology are described, as well as organizations that promote health informatics. 

HINF 6115 U.S. Health System (3 sem. cr.)
This course examines the structure and function of the U. S. health care delivery system. Policies, programs, and organizations that affect the access, cost, quality, and safety of health services—and the effect of federal, state, and local politics on these services—are considered. The components of the system, including patients, organizations, health care professionals, public and private third-party payers, regulators, reimbursement and reimbursement methods, and technology are identified and described, including the continuum of health services such as hospitals and hospital systems, ambulatory care services, long-term care services, wellness/prevention services, and community/public health services. Contextual factors and challenges that are linked to the health care delivery system are addressed, as well as the impact of these challenges on the delivery of services and health care management.

HINF 6130 Information Systems Management (3 sem. cr.)
This course focuses on the technical aspects of information systems management, with an emphasis on the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach. The identification and selection of appropriate systems technology and data standards, the creation of system requirements, the evaluation of system security, and the accommodation of human factors in system design and use are considered. Attention will be given to information technology terminology, functions, and standards, as well as the basics of information architecture and systems infrastructure. Key issues for systems design and development and for system support and maintenance are addressed, with attention to related topics such as computer-based patient records, decision support system design and analysis, clinical decision support systems, and artificial intelligence applications. 

HINF 6145 Nature, Structure, and Representation of Health Information (3 sem. cr.)
This course examines the need for consistency in health data standards and the importance of appropriate identification and selection of these standards. The structure of medical and health information through effective knowledge representation is presented, with an emphasis on the practice of knowledge management and the incorporation of evidence-based best practices. The diverse vocabularies, terminology, ontology, acronyms, coding, and classification systems utilized in health information technology, both by the users of the information systems and by those who design and maintain those systems, are examined. Topics to be considered include data communication, the development and advancement of e-health technologies, as well as future federal initiatives to digitalize health data. 

HINF 6160 Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an overview of the legal, regulatory, and ethical issues to be considered in the management and maintenance of health information systems. Local, state, federal, and international privacy laws and regulations---and the government agencies and regulatory bodies charged with creating and upholding these laws and regulations---will be considered, with particular attention given to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Key topics to be explored include data security, privacy, confidentiality, data reporting requirements, compliance, accreditation, and professional ethics. Attention will be given to evaluation of the security of a system, the impact of information technology on patient safety and health care liability, and identification and management of potential opportunities and risks of electronic health record systems. 

HINF 6175 Quality Assessment and Improvement (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an overview of health care quality, methods of assessing quality and techniques for improving quality and safety. Key terminology and concepts will be addressed that include defining and measuring quality care; distinguishing between clinical quality and customer service quality; identifying techniques to avoid adverse clinical events; and exploring customer service quality in terms of defining, measuring and improving patient satisfaction. Emphasis will be placed on the role of governmental agencies in promoting and reporting quality information regarding hospitals and other health organizations; agencies that review and accredit health care organizations and health plans; and recent initiatives of government and private payers to pay/reimburse health care providers and organizations for performance. The utilization of health information technology in improving clinical and service quality will also be addressed with consideration given to the IOM’s recommendations as well as the 5 Million Lives Campaign.

HINF 6190 Project Management (3 sem. cr.)
The emphasis of this course is on preparing the student to facilitate implementation of a health information technology solution through the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) using Project Management Institute--defined processes drawn from the Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide. Within the context of Institute-recognized project management standards, the student will learn to assess organizational need and readiness for a health information system, to engage in strategic and tactical planning for that technology, and to apply critical path analysis. Attention is also given to the preparation of the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the evaluation of vendor responses as a part of an overall health information technology project management process. 

HINF 6205 Research and Program Evaluation (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an overview of the research that informs health care programs, policy, and practice. Key topics addressed include the logic underlying scientific research; study design; sampling; identification of variables; methods of data collection and analysis; concepts in measurement (including reliability and validity); program evaluation; and research ethics. Numeric methods for data description; the Donabedian method of program evaluation; data modeling and research; data mining; and information system assessment are also considered. Students will be introduced to basic research methods and to statistical software used to support research. Strategies and skills for presentation of research results will be presented. 

HINF 6220 Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Change Management (3 sem. cr.)
This course addresses the unique structures of health care organizations and the behaviors within these organizations that impact their performance. The roles and responsibilities of management within health care organizations are addressed in this context and include the macro (organization-wide) perspective and micro (individual and team performance) perspective, with emphasis on understanding organizational values, mission, and vision; defining work to be carried out; and effectively delivering services within health care organizations. Theories of organizational design and governance and of alternative organizational structures are addressed, with consideration given to the theory and practice of managing individuals and groups through motivation, communications, teamwork, leadership, organizational change, coalition building, negotiation and conflict management/ resolution. Development of student self-awareness and management style through group work and personal assessment is a key component of this course. 

HINF 6235 Health Care Information Technology Business and Finance (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an introduction to key business and financial aspects of developing and health information technology solutions, with consideration given to the impact of that technology on patient safety and health care liability. Consideration will be given to analyzing the cost benefit of health information technology, assessing the return on investment (ROI) of implementing an information technology system, engaging in vendor evaluation and negotiations, and facilitating the acquisition of health information technology systems. Issues of human resources management are also addressed. The course expands upon the knowledge of the RFP process gained in the Project Management course. 

HINF 6950 Practicum (3 sem. cr.)
The practicum provides an opportunity for applying and integrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Master of Science degree program in Health Informatics program of study and for further development of key professional competencies. This experience is in alignment with the student’s academic and professional goals and proceeds under the supervision of faculty. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the practicum. Students start their 120 hour practicum; participate in an accompanying online seminar course, and continue development of the professional portfolio informed by the practicum  experience. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation is provided by the on-site supervisor and the course instructor.

HINF 6960 Scholarly Project (3 sem. cr.)
The capstone is a continuation of the practicum, providing an opportunity for students to complete the number of hours required for their practicum  and to synthesize the practicum experience and the accompanying knowledge they acquired.  Students also complete a professional portfolio based on their  practicum  as well as a substantive written scholarly paper or project.