Unit Code: HSM503

Unit Name: Introduction to Information Systems for Health Managers

Description: This Course aims to provide health professionals with a firm understanding of the need, relevance and benefits of efficient and meaningful systems for the collection of Health Information and its appropriate utilization. Furthermore, the Course will introduce epidemiological concepts of health, health measurements and the role of Information Systems in disease prevention and control, thus providing the basis for successful health planning and management Assessment activities will include assignments and a final written exam.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to: 1. Define health data, health information and health information systems 2. Describe district, population, epidemiological principles and measures of frequency to produce health Information 3. Describe the different health data sources (routine vs. non-routine) and their uses to assess the health status of a population by health managers 4. Describe different types of health surveillance systems and challenges it faces in health information systems 5. Discuss the role of HIS in disease prevention and control 6. Describe the different types of epidemiological surveys and the procedures involved to manage and organize a health survey 7. Discuss importance of data quality and challenges involved during health data collection, data management, and the dissemination and use of health information by health managers in the Pacific 8. Discuss the importance of District Health Planning and Health Information

Prerequisite: Minimum Entry Requirement

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1