Overview of NURS6224: Healthcare Technology and Informatics

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Purpose :

The primary goal of this course is to prepare nurses to:

  • Understand the principles of healthcare informatics and its applications in clinical practice.
  • Utilize health information technology (HIT) to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and enhance decision-making.
  • Lead initiatives that integrate technology into healthcare delivery systems.

Key Topics Covered :

  1. Foundations of Healthcare Informatics :
    • Definition and scope of healthcare informatics.
    • The role of informatics in improving patient safety, quality of care, and efficiency.
  2. Health Information Systems (HIS) :
    • Overview of electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), and other health information systems.
    • Benefits and challenges of implementing and using these systems.
  3. Data Management and Analytics :
    • Collection, storage, and analysis of healthcare data.
    • Use of big data and predictive analytics to inform clinical decisions and population health management.
  4. Telehealth and Remote Care :
    • Introduction to telehealth technologies and their applications in delivering care remotely.
    • Benefits and limitations of telehealth in various healthcare settings.
  5. Patient-Centered Technologies :
    • Use of mobile health (mHealth) apps, wearable devices, and patient portals to engage patients in their care.
    • Strategies for ensuring patient privacy and security in digital health solutions.
  6. Interoperability and Standards :
    • Importance of interoperability in healthcare systems.
    • Key standards and frameworks (e.g., HL7, FHIR) that facilitate data exchange between systems.
  7. Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Considerations :
    • Ethical issues related to the use of technology in healthcare (e.g., data privacy, informed consent).
    • Compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
  8. Leadership in Healthcare Technology :
    • Role of nurse leaders in driving the adoption and optimization of healthcare technology.
    • Developing strategies for continuous improvement in the use of informatics and technology.

Learning Outcomes for NURS6224

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Analyze the impact of healthcare technology and informatics on patient care and organizational efficiency.
  2. Evaluate the effectiveness of health information systems in supporting clinical decision-making and quality improvement.
  3. Apply data analytics techniques to inform evidence-based practice and population health management.
  4. Demonstrate leadership in promoting the safe and ethical use of technology in healthcare.
  5. Develop strategies for integrating technology into healthcare delivery systems to enhance patient outcomes.

Key Assignments in NURS6224

1. Health Information System Analysis

  • What to Do : Select a specific health information system (e.g., EHR, CDSS) and analyze its features, benefits, and limitations. Discuss how it impacts patient care and workflow.
  • Example : Evaluate the implementation of an EHR system in a hospital setting and propose improvements to enhance usability and reduce errors.

2. Data Analytics Project

  • What to Do : Conduct a data analytics project using real or simulated healthcare data. Identify trends, patterns, or areas for improvement in patient care or operational efficiency.
  • Example : Analyze patient readmission rates using EHR data and recommend interventions to reduce readmissions.

3. Telehealth Case Study

  • What to Do : Examine a case study involving the use of telehealth technology. Assess its effectiveness, identify challenges, and propose solutions.
  • Example : Evaluate the use of telehealth in rural healthcare settings and discuss its potential to improve access to care.

4. Patient-Centered Technology Proposal

  • What to Do : Develop a proposal for implementing a patient-centered technology (e.g., mobile app, wearable device) in a healthcare setting. Outline the benefits, implementation plan, and evaluation strategy.
  • Example : Propose a mobile app for chronic disease management and describe how it will engage patients and improve outcomes.

5. Ethical and Legal Issues Paper

  • What to Do : Write a paper discussing ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations related to healthcare technology. Provide examples and propose solutions to address these issues.
  • Example : Discuss the implications of HIPAA compliance in the context of cloud-based EHR systems.

6. Final Presentation

  • What to Do : Create a professional presentation summarizing your key learnings from the course and how they apply to your future role as a nurse leader in healthcare technology.
  • Example : Present a vision for leading a healthcare organization’s transition to a fully integrated health information system.

Tips for Success in NURS6224

  1. Stay Current :
    • Follow advancements in healthcare technology and informatics through journals, conferences, and online resources.
  2. Engage with Data :
    • Practice working with healthcare datasets and using analytics tools to gain hands-on experience.
  3. Apply Theory to Practice :
    • Relate theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios in your workplace or clinical setting.
  4. Collaborate with Peers :
    • Participate actively in group discussions and simulations to gain diverse perspectives on technology integration.
  5. Seek Feedback :
    • Share drafts of assignments with instructors or peers for constructive criticism and improvement.
  6. Develop Leadership Skills :
    • Reflect on your ability to lead technology-driven initiatives and identify areas for growth.

Published by Amilik