MSc/PGDip/PGCert Health Informatics (UCL/UoM Joint Award) / Course details
Year of entry: 2025
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Course unit details:
Health Information Systems
| Unit code | IIDS61001 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Health Informaticians need to be able to support the development and procurement of health information systems for use by clinicians; patients, public; other professionals and researchers. They will provide understanding and oversight of the functionality of health information systems and technologies. These health systems do not stand-alone: they increasingly interoperate and exchange data with other systems that do not always sit within the traditional healthcare ecosystem. In this rapidly changing landscape, health informaticians are required to rethink (or think innovatively around) the methods and techniques used in system development and analysis, while taking into consideration the standards and guidance relating to software development (e.g., related to accessibility), technical infrastructure, information governance, and other regulations (e.g., regarding medical devices) in a range of scenarios.
This unit will cover the following indicative content:
- Overview of types of health information systems and technologies, such as electronic health record systems, or home monitoring technologies;
- Underlying technology and infrastructures (e.g., system landscape, software design)
- System development life cycle and methodologies
- Stakeholder requirements analysis
- System testing, performance and quality assurance
- Planning and evaluating system implementation
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Provide an overview of health information systems and technologies and their impact on the delivery of healthcare;
- Give insight in the technologies that underlie health information systems;
- Improve understanding which stakeholders are involved and what their role is in designing and implementing systems;
- Improve understanding of different approaches and methodologies for system development, and how and when to apply them;
- Improve understanding of the issues surrounding the introduction or change of a health information system and/or technology;
- Teach how to critically appraise system design/development/delivery and make suggestions for improvement.
Learning outcomes
|
Category of outcome |
Students should be able to: |
|
A. Knowledge and understanding
|
LO1: Critically appraise health information systems and technologies and use this knowledge to support future decision-making around system design and implementation LO2: Evaluate the different approaches to system development and how they fit in the broader cycle of development, deployment and maintenance of healthcare systems. LO3: Assess issues surrounding system quality assurance and be able to address them LO4: Critically appraise the range of technologies available to produce and store data/information LO5: Critically appraise the role of different stakeholders in the health information system development and assess their needs. |
|
B. Intellectual skills
|
LO6: Determine the likely impact of introducing a (change in a) health information system and use this knowledge to plan the implementation LO7: Critically review a plan for system design/development/delivery and make suggestions for improvement LO8: Apply systems methodologies to a healthcare context. |
|
C. Practical skills
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LO9: Conduct a system requirements gathering exercise and communicate the results LO10: Employ skills to introduce new technologies/systems into the healthcare system LO11: Apply system methodologies to design a technological solution to a healthcare problem. |
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D. Transferable skills and personal qualities
|
LO12: Work collaboratively within a team LO13: Present ideas and work in a verbal and written format LO14: Understand how to allocate resources and plan a project LO15: Work through a problem-solving cycle. |
Teaching and learning methods
This unit will be delivered in a blended format: e-Learning preparation material will impart basic and core knowledge whilst the face-to-face lectures and open discussions will introduce concrete examples and encourage attendees to draw upon their own reading and experience. Problem based group learning during the face-to-face teaching will show a deeper understanding of the area and encourage collaborative working. Example case-studies will be drawn from University of Manchester (Centre for Health Informatics) and University College London research-driven projects and projects from the NHS and other healthcare systems. The face-to-face teaching will be delivered as 1 x three day block of workshops consisting of a mix of summary and introductory lectures, guest lectures by health care professionals and researchers, student presentations, and workshops.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Report | 100% |
Feedback methods
Formative assessment and feedback to students is a key feature of the on-line learning materials for this unit.
Regular presentation of results to tutor and staff to elicit feedback and develop ideas/work.
Recommended reading
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Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 129 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Sabine Van der Veer | Unit coordinator |