Course Descriptions

HINF 6100 Introduction to Health Informatics (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides a broad historical, technological, and theoretical framework for the study of health informatics. Consideration is given to the past, present, and future of this rapidly evolving discipline, with exploration of critical issues and challenges within the field, as well as potential applications, benefits, and opportunities for improving the management of healthcare through information technology. Special topics to be considered include the development of virtual and interactive healthcare through technology; the interoperability, standardization, safety, and risks associated with the implementation of the electronic health record; and the emergence and adoption of new information technologies. Professional roles and responsibilities related to managing health information technology are described, as well as organizations that promote health informatics. 

HINF 6115 U.S. Health System (3 sem. cr.)
This course examines the structure and function of the U. S. healthcare delivery system. Policies, programs, and organizations that affect the access, cost, quality, and safety of health services—and the effect of federal, state, and local politics on these services—are considered. The components of the system, including patients, organizations, healthcare professionals, public and private third-party payers, regulators, reimbursement and reimbursement methods, and technology are identified and described, including the continuum of health services such as hospitals and hospital systems, ambulatory care services, long-term care services, wellness/prevention services, and community/public health services. Contextual factors and challenges that are linked to the healthcare delivery system are addressed, as well as the impact of these challenges on the delivery of services and health care management.

HINF 6130 Information Systems Management (3 sem. cr.)
This course focuses on the technical aspects of information systems management, with an emphasis on the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach. The identification and selection of appropriate systems technology and data standards, the creation of system requirements, the evaluation of system security, and the accommodation of human factors in system design and use are considered. Attention will be given to information technology terminology, functions, and standards, as well as the basics of information architecture and systems infrastructure. Key issues for systems design and development and for system support and maintenance are addressed, with attention to related topics such as computer-based patient records, decision support system design and analysis, clinical decision support systems, and artificial intelligence applications. 

HINF 6145 Nature, Structure, and Representation of Health Information (3 sem. cr.)
This course examines the need for consistency in health data standards and the importance of appropriate identification and selection of these standards. The structure of medical and health information through effective knowledge representation is presented, with an emphasis on the practice of knowledge management and the incorporation of evidence-based best practices. The diverse vocabularies, terminology, ontology, acronyms, coding, and classification systems utilized in health information technology, both by the users of the information systems and by those who design and maintain those systems, are examined. Topics to be considered include data communication, the development and advancement of e-health technologies, as well as future federal initiatives to digitalize health data. 

HINF 6160 Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an overview of the legal, regulatory, and ethical issues to be considered in the management and maintenance of health information systems. Local, state, federal, and international privacy laws and regulations---and the government agencies and regulatory bodies charged with creating and upholding these laws and regulations---will be considered, with particular attention given to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Key topics to be explored include data security, privacy, confidentiality, data reporting requirements, compliance, accreditation, and professional ethics. Attention will be given to evaluation of the security of a system, the impact of information technology on patient safety and healthcare liability, and identification and management of potential opportunities and risks of electronic health record systems. 

HINF 6175 Quality Assessment and Improvement (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an overview of healthcare quality, methods of assessing quality and techniques for improving quality and safety. Key terminology and concepts will be addressed that include defining and measuring quality care; distinguishing between clinical quality and customer service quality; identifying techniques to avoid adverse clinical events; and exploring customer service quality in terms of defining, measuring and improving patient satisfaction. Emphasis will be placed on the role of governmental agencies in promoting and reporting quality information regarding hospitals and other health organizations; agencies that review and accredit healthcare organizations and health plans; and recent initiatives of government and private payers to pay/reimburse healthcare providers and organizations for performance. The utilization of health information technology in improving clinical and service quality will also be addressed with consideration given to the IOM’s recommendations as well as the 5 Million Lives Campaign.

HINF 6190 Project Management (3 sem. cr.)
The emphasis of this course is on preparing the student to facilitate implementation of a health information technology solution through the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) using Project Management Institute--defined processes drawn from the Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide. Within the context of Institute-recognized project management standards, the student will learn to assess organizational need and readiness for a health information system, to engage in strategic and tactical planning for that technology, and to apply critical path analysis. Attention is also given to the preparation of the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the evaluation of vendor responses as a part of an overall health information technology project management process. 

HINF 6205 Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides the student with a working knowledge of research methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting healthcare data and an appreciation of the value and application of these methods in healthcare organizations. Students will learn to distinguish between types of research (quantitative and qualitative) with an emphasis on the use of quantitative analysis in healthcare organizations. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design; and the use of primary and secondary data sets.  Statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data will include descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, probability, sampling, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square analysis, correlation, linear regression, and multiple regression. In addition, students will use Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and students will analyze selected administrative data to identify findings and implications for an organization.

Note: There is a special technology requirement for this course for accessing required interactive tutorials. PC: Students using a PC platform must have a minimum of Windows 2000, Internet Explorer 6.0, and 1GB of RAM. Mac: Students using a Mac platform must have a minimum of an Intel® Mac with OS X version 10.4.11, 1GB of RAM and Windows 2000. Mac users who do not already have Windows 2000 on their Macs will need to purchase one or two Mac add-ons from an outside vendor in order to access the interactive tutorials. For details on which add-ons to purchase and how to purchase them at discount pricing, please contact a member of Walden’s Student Support Team at 1-800-925-3368 or 1-612-925-3368, option 2.  

HINF 6220 Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Change Management (3 sem. cr.)
This course addresses the unique structures of healthcare organizations and the behaviors within these organizations that impact their performance. The roles and responsibilities of management within healthcare organizations are addressed in this context and include the macro (organization-wide) perspective and micro (individual and team performance) perspective, with emphasis on understanding organizational values, mission, and vision; defining work to be carried out; and effectively delivering services within healthcare organizations. Theories of organizational design and governance and of alternative organizational structures are addressed, with consideration given to the theory and practice of managing individuals and groups through motivation, communications, teamwork, leadership, organizational change, coalition building, negotiation and conflict management/ resolution. Development of student self-awareness and management style through group work and personal assessment is a key component of this course. 

HINF 6235 Health Care Information Technology Business and Finance (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an introduction to key business and financial aspects of developing and health information technology solutions, with consideration given to the impact of that technology on patient safety and healthcare liability. Consideration will be given to analyzing the cost benefit of health information technology, assessing the return on investment (ROI) of implementing an information technology system, engaging in vendor evaluation and negotiations, and facilitating the acquisition of health information technology systems. Issues of human resources management are also addressed. The course expands upon the knowledge of the RFP process gained in the Project Management course. 

HINF 6960 Scholarly Project (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of the principles, concepts, and content addressed throughout the M.S. in Health Informatics program of study. Students will be presented with a selection of overarching themes and topical areas reflecting the breadth of subjects covered in the program. Guided by their instructor, each student will identify a particular area of interest and will be required to produce a substantive written paper and presentation in an area of health informatics. This course will also include group discussions.

Students in the M.S. in Health Informatics program may elect to earn a practicum experience by adding an additional course, HINF 6950, to their program of study.

HINF 6950 Practicum (3 sem. cr.)
The practicum provides an opportunity for applying and integrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Master of Science degree program in Health Informatics program of study and for further development of key professional competencies. This experience is in alignment with the student’s academic and professional goals and proceeds under the supervision of faculty. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the practicum. Students start their 120 hour practicum; participate in an accompanying online seminar course, and continue development of the professional portfolio informed by the practicum  experience. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation is provided by the on-site supervisor and the course instructor.