NSG 675: Healthcare Informatics

The purpose of this course is to provide students an overview of the role of information systems in health care organizations and a comprehensive understanding of fundamental health informatics principles so that they can function more effectively and more efficiently in the role of health care professionals.  THe overall structure of this course is designed to offer student both established principles as well as new and emerging trends in healthcare informatics and health information technology.  Students will also acquire a working knowledge of the impact of information technology on health care practice and the utilization of knowledge and information in clinical decision making.  Coursework emphasizes the discussion among students and with experts in the field of health care and health care informatics in order to come to some understanding of current issues.  Using a combination of classroom-based seminars, group case studies, and online exercises, students will develop and exercise analytical skills for appraising health information systems, as well as acquire practical experience using clinical research databases, hospital information systems, and electronic medical records.  Finally, the course will provide students with the opportunity to explore technical, organizational, clinical, and cost-benefit issues related to health care information systems, including clinical decision-support, electronic health records, telehealth, and other informatic solutions.