ICT and Information Systems in Healthcare
6 Credits (ECTS)
ICT and Information Systems in Healthcare
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€543 refund on this module
Module Description
Time is a precious and crucial factor in Healthcare. Information systems, electronic databases, specialised software packages and appropriate hardware would make the processing, storage and filing of data including patient records less time consuming, efficient and effective, leaving Healthcare professionals with more time to dedicate to the patients rather than filling in forms.
Through this unit, learners will learn more about the tools available to Healthcare service providers to store, maintain and communicate important data and information relating to their practice.
They will also learn about other software which assists Healthcare organisations in their operations such as software to process payments and settlements, software which analyses and compiles statistics, as well as communication platforms that allow staff to keep in touch with their customers/patients and promote further their products and services.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a Level 6 degree in a related field;
OR
- a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related to the healthcare industry and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the sector.
Target Audience
The programme is mainly targeted at:
- Nurses and Midwives;
- Nursing Managers;
- Ward Managers;
- Clinic /Department Managers;
- Physiotherapists;
- Social Workers;
- Doctors;
- Professionals allied to medicine, such as paramedics;
- Staff within the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries;
- General Managers without clinical qualifications.
Career Paths
The programme aims to prepare you for senior posts such as
- Chief Executive Officer
- Managing Director
- Head of Department of any healthcare entity such as a hospital, clinic or ward, amongst others.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Dissertation Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Use Information Management Systems, electronic databases, online platforms and communication software to communicate with relevant stakeholders in own Healthcare organisation.
- Ensure that data and information relating to patients and their treatment is being shared responsibly, stored securely and only accessed by the relevant members of staff (internal/external)
- Highlight issues or matters of concern relating to storage and access of personal and sensitive data and information in own Healthcare organisation.
- Develop further communication channels with staff and patients to promote own Healthcare products and services as well as awareness.
- Supervise appointments and referrals system in own Healthcare organisation.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Describe how various Healthcare service providers use of ICT, software and databases in their day-to-day activities.
- Define Healthcare Informatics.
- List what kind of information might a Healthcare organisation need to store.
- Determine who would need to use different types of information.
- Identify relevant electronic databases which may be used by Healthcare professionals to obtain necessary information.
- Recognise the link between storing sensitive and personal patient data and information and confidentiality.
- Identify ways in which to transfer and backup the data and information relating to health records.
- Find which systems are currently being used in Healthcare organisations in Malta and how the information is shared.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Recognise the link between storing sensitive and personal patient data and information and confidentiality.
- Discuss trends in Healthcare technology.
- Explain the security and privacy issues with electronic health records.
- Discuss the pros and cons of how data and information relating to patient records is shared between Healthcare service providers in Malta.
- Discuss the use of online, password protected portals.
- Assess current appointments and referrals communication system in own Healthcare organisation.
- Assess how payments and settlements are being monitored and managed in own Healthcare organisation paying particular attention to use of software
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Determine what access rights must different Healthcare employees have to personal data relating to patients and their care.
- Evaluate own Healthcare organisation’s current information system based on feedback and own observation.
- Review the current E-Government portal which allows the general public to access their patient information and appointments online.
- Indicate areas of improvement in current appointments and referrals communication system in own Healthcare organisation.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Develop efficient communication channels between internal and external staff to share relevant data and information in an efficient, timely, secure and private manner.
- Develop efficient skills for research data.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Conduct research about suitable information management systems in Healthcare to keep up to date regarding developments in technology and trends.
- Complete necessary training for using own organisation’s information management system and other relevant software and online platforms.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.