Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Overview

Advanced study of the strategies and frameworks that support the development and safe application of digital and information systems technology in healthcare.

The aim of this paper is to enable students to develop an understanding of information systems and digital health concepts and frameworks including integrated health information system components and architecture, the electronic medical record, telehealth, artificial intelligence, health information transfer standards, future trends in digital health, and social and ethical issues. Students will gain an understanding of the different types of data collected from these systems and its potential to influence individual and population health.

About this paper

Paper title Principles of Digital Health and Informatics
Subject Digital Health
EFTS 0.2500
Points 30 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $3,486.75
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
HEIN 701, HEIN 702
Contact

Dr Steve Gallagher

digitalhealth@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Steve Gallagher

Paper Structure

This paper comprises a series of topic-related lectures (digital health concepts, systems, standards, etc.) delivered by University of Otago lecturers accompanied by regular guest lectures by digital health experts from the digital health industry, the Ministry of Health and non-profit organisations.

Teaching Arrangements

This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

The course is taught using online learning tools that enable live class discussion, group activities and regular individual online meetings and discussions.

Textbooks

To be advised.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:

  1. Critically appraise Digital Health strategic goals (national and global) and articulate how digital technologies help address key public health priorities
  2. Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the frameworks and key principles in place to guide the development of digital health and technology in the health sector
  3. Explain the foundational concepts in healthcare information technology: software, messaging standards, reference sets, etc.
  4. Consider the uses for the range of data and terminologies used in the health sector, acquisition, management, storage and governance
  5. Assess the ethical issues and risks associated with the application and use of digital and information technology and their mitigation

Overview

Advanced study of the strategies and frameworks that support the development and safe application of digital and information systems technology in healthcare.

Explore the technologies and systems reshaping modern healthcare. From electronic medical records and clinical decision support to artificial intelligence and data standards, this paper gives you a practical grounding in digital health - and the knowledge to harness it for better individual and population health outcomes. You'll cover health information systems, interoperability, digital health ethics and emerging technologies, all contextualised within current developments in New Zealand and internationally.

About this paper

Paper title Principles of Digital Health and Informatics
Subject Digital Health
EFTS 0.2500
Points 30 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
HEIN 701, HEIN 702
Contact

Dr Steve Gallagher

digitalhealth@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Steve Gallagher

Paper Structure

Each week combines a lecture from University of Otago staff with a guest lecture from an industry expert. Hear directly from health technology consultants, Health New Zealand leaders and clinical and health informatics specialists - while building a professional network that extends beyond the classroom.

Teaching Arrangements

This distance learning paper is delivered fully online, with regular live sessions that are recorded and available on demand through our learning platform. Flexible by design, it fits around your professional commitments - while still offering plenty of opportunity for group discussion and collaboration, both in live classes and online. Classes will be held in the early evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Textbooks

To be advised.

Course outline

Topics covered include:

  • Introduction to Digital Health Systems and Technologies
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Interoperability and Standards
  • Working with Health Data
  • Digital Health Ethics, Privacy, Security and Governance
  • Quality Improvement
  • Evidence based practice and evaluation
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate Digital Health strategic goals (national and global) and articulate how digital technologies help address key public health priorities
  2. Describe how digital health technologies are used in practice and apply relevant evidence to inform and influence digital health development as health systems and technologies evolve.
  3. Explain the foundational concepts in healthcare information technology including key interoperability standards and processes.
  4. Describe key processes and terminologies used in the health sector relating to, acquisition, management, storage and governance of health data
  5. Assess the ethical issues and risks associated with the application and use of digital health technology including security, privacy, and data sovereignty.
Assessment details

There are three written assessments and one presentation. All are equally weighted, and there is no examination.

Back to top