Health Care Information Management

Catalog description

This course introduces information systems terminology, data structures, software applications, and their management functions in health services organizations. H P A 470 Health Care Information Management (3) This course introduces the student to information systems terminology, structures, specific applications, and their relationships to management functions in health services organizations. Health providers and health systems are continuing to make multi-million dollar investments in information systems in order to meet new market and regulatory requirements. All health services managers will play a role in the analysis, design, acquisition, installation, operation and ultimate success of information systems necessary to meet organizational goals and objectives. This course exposes students to the IS/IT applications used to support management functions. Further, applications and management issues unique to industry segments (e.g., long-term care, home care, hospital administration, physician practice management) will also be explored.The goal of the course is to ensure that students are schooled in the terminology, conceptual models, applications and opportunities and limitations of information systems in health services to the point that they can ask appropriate questions, recognize and state significant issues, and participate in the discussion and analysis of information systems development and application.The course is one of several elective courses in the Health Policy Administration major that students can complete and is also a required part of the Information Sciences and Technology/Health Policy Administration Minor providing students with an understanding of the basic structures of information systems in health administration; the relationship of these systems to managerial functions such as communications, coordination, control strategic and process planning and decision making, and the important policy and ethical issues associated with privacy, confidentiality, and security in information systems. Since the course represents the capstone of the Information Sciences and Technology/Health Policy Administration minor, it is important for students to have the pre-requisites for the course (H P A 332, IST 210 , and IST 220 ), including an understanding of major issues in the health care system, health care management and information systems.Student's attainment of educational objectives will be assessed through a variety of evaluation methods. Understanding and appropriate application of terminology, management issues, and ethical/privacy concerns will be assessed through examination. Concept integration will be assessed through case-study analysis and project papers. Data presentation and training communication issues will be assessed through individual application projects and presentations.A technology classroom with access to the World Wide Web and Penn State servers is required for effective instruction. We will use these facilities to demonstrate software applications, provide technical support for guestspeaker presentations, and facilitate student presentations. The course will be offered once per academic year with an expected enrollment of 20-40 students.