National University

Course:	HCA626 - Healthcare Information Systems
Lead Faculty	Dr. Gina Piane
Last revised:	Date: September 15, 2010    By: Dr. Gina Piane
Textbook:	For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com
Course Description: Effective data and information technology utilization to improve performance in healthcare organizations: including information systems, databases and analytical tools to structure, analyze and present information; legal and ethical issues affecting management of healthcare information.
Course Learning Outcomes: Describe the evolution of information technology and its uses in healthcare management and delivery. Analyze current and future trends in the application of information technology to the healthcare industry. Relate the use of data and enabling information technologies in strategic management, financial management, clinical outcomes management and public health/population management. Evaluate the roles of information system applications common in healthcare organization and integrated delivery systems: including administrative systems/programs (e.g., financial; scheduling; on-line purchasing; productivity; human resources); clinical systems/programs (e.g., electronic medical records; medical decision support; diagnostic information systems); physician practice management systems (e.g., billing; referral/authorization; claims processing; electronic medical records; prescription writing; productivity; transcription); and health informatics (e.g., coding; communication standards; data standards). Conduct an information technology needs assessment of a healthcare organizational unit. Diagram the information systems lifecycle and the process and critical issues related to identifying information and systems requirements and designing, developing, testing, implementing and evaluating information systems in healthcare settings. Conduct an analysis to justify the cost of new information technology systems, including the calculation of return on investment for information technology projects in health related organizations. Demonstrate intermediate knowledge of application software; including spreadsheets; e-mail; word processing; database management. Analyze and synthesize the legal and ethical issues related to health information management and the use of information technology in healthcare management and clinical practice; including privacy, confidentiality and security issues (e.g., HIPPAA; Medical Records). Work as a teammate and leader in projects involving information technology personnel.
Specified Program Learning Outcomes: MASTER OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION (MHA) Establish strategic priorities of a healthcare organization in line with the needs and values of the community it serves. Utilize administrative and clinical information technology and decision-support tools in process and performance improvement. MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATICS Communicate knowledge of health information systems and technology to stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem. Develop policies and technologies to protect data integrity and validity, including information privacy and security policies and procedures. Develop strategies for improving healthcare delivery and achieving institutional strategic initiatives using information systems and technologies. Evaluate health data management standards, technologies and methods to improve the quality, efficiency, equity and safety of healthcare practice and organization. Evaluate leadership principles and practices in health information technology staff development, technology adoption and change management in a healthcare organization.

Recommended Course Grading (expressed as percentages):

A	96-100	B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69
A-	90-95	B	84-86	C	74-76	D	64-66
		B-	80-83	C-	70-73	D-	60-63

Grading Factors:
Each instructor is responsible for identifying several specific grading components and the weight to be assigned to each component. The following are examples only, and are not meant to be all inclusive:

• Weekly quizzes
• Midterm exam(s)
• Homework assignments
• Participation in classroom or chatroom discussions
• Participation in threaded discussions (online only)
• Short papers, term papers, and the like
• Individual and/or group projects (written and possibly oral presentation)
• Case study analysis and discussion
• Field experience report
• Final exam (comprehensive)

Definition of Grades:

Undergraduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement	Significantly exceeds standards
B	Commendable Achievement	Exceeds standards
C	Acceptable Achievement	Meets standards
D	Marginal Achievement	Below standards
F	Failing *

Graduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement
B	Commendable Achievement
C	Marginal Achievement
D	Unsatisfactory *
F	Failing *

* Students receiving this grade in a course that is required for his/her degree program must repeat the course.

I

Incomplete A grade given at the discretion of the instructor when a student who has completed at least two-thirds of the course class sessions and is unable to complete the requirements of the course because of uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances. The student must convey these circumstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an "Incomplete" is warranted, the instructor must convey the conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" to the student in writing. A copy must also be placed on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "Incomplete" is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. An "Incomplete" is not assigned when the only way the student could make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the class when next offered. An "I" that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an "F." No grade points are assigned. The "F" is calculated in the grade point average.

W

Withdrawal Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after beginning the third class session. Students who wish to withdraw must notify their admissions advisor before the beginning of the sixth class session in the case of graduate courses, or before the seventh class session in the case of undergraduate courses. Instructors are not authorized to issue a "W" grade.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.

Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.

Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.

Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:

• Conflicting opinions among members of a class are to be respected and responded to in a professional manner.
• Side conversations or other distracting behaviors are not to be engaged in during lectures, class discussions or presentations
• There are to be no offensive comments, language, or gestures

Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.

The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://library.nu.edu/FindResources/ReferenceTools/citations.html

National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:

URL: http://library.nu.edu.

Contact the Library:

• RefDesk@nu.edu
• (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
• 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)

Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help

• Recorded class presentations
• Tutorials & Guides (APA/MLA, Peer-Review, and more)