Nova Southeastern University

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This on-line, interactive course is an introductory survey of the discipline of biomedical informatics. This course will introduce the student to the use of computers for processing, organizing, retrieving and utilizing biomedical information at the molecular, biological system, clinical and healthcare organization levels. The course is targeted at individuals with varied backgrounds including medical, nursing, pharmacy, administration, and computer science. The course will describe essential concepts in biomedical informatics that are derived from medicine, computer science and the social sciences.

Learning Objective:

• Demonstrate in writing and verbally a basic understanding of the learned concepts of biomedical informatics and their direct application to healthcare.
• Demonstrate the ability to compare, select, apply and integrate multiple technologies in and across a healthcare organization.
• Discuss key legal and ethical issues that must be considered when implementing biomedical technology and supporting information systems.
• Differentiate multiple methods to evaluate the costs versus benefits of implementing biomedical information systems.
• Produce evidence of a forward thinking ability to stay current in biomedical informatics.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: With the increasing complexity of clinical medicine, clinical decision support systems have evolved to become essential cognitive prostheses for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Clinical decision support systems have been utilized in many areas of clinical medicine, nursing, pharmacy, healthcare administration and research. This course introduces students to statistical and theoretical concepts underlying modern medical decision making, including Bayesian analysis. It then proceeds to review the multiple methods for knowledge generation for CDSS systems. The course provides "hands-on" experience to students in performing Bayesian analysis of clinical problems and building and annotating computer-interpretable guidelines (CIGs). Current implementations of stand-alone and integrated CDSS will be evaluated. Techniques for planning and evaluation of CDSS implementation will be reviewed. Human factors, including work-flow integration, and the ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of CDSS use will be explored.

Learning Objective:

Upon completion of this course, the student will comprehend the following issues and objectives:

• Compare and contrast the types of CDSS Systems available in commercial and research implementations
• Compare and contrast the types of CDSS Systems available in commercial and research implementations
• Describe the scope of clinical decision support systems
• Describe the kinds of decision support systems which have been implemented for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
• Apply the statistical methods and logic concepts underlying medical decision making
• Define methods of knowledge generation for CDSS, including decision trees, neural networks, and Bayesian analysis
• Explain supervised vs. unsupervised learning methods in data-mining applications and ideal applications of each of these strategies
• Describe the adaptation of practice guidelines for clinical decision support, including commonly-used formalisms and authoring tools for computer-interpretable guidelines
• List the characteristics of successful CDSS implementations and common challenges to successful CDSS implementation
• Outline the legal, ethical and regulatory issues involved in design and implementation of CDSS systems
• Describe the opportunities for use of CDSS systems in personal health records and shared decision making

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: Public health informatics is the systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practice, research and learning. This course focuses on developing the knowledge and skills of systemic application of information, computer science, and technology to public health practice. Students will acquire a basic understanding of informatics in public health practice, and be able to apply the skills of using some informatics tools in public health practices.

Learning Objective:

• Define public health informatics, and its role in public health practice at local, state, national, and international levels
• Illustrate at least three examples of how public health informatics supports disease surveillance.
• Report on informatics applications that enhance vital statistics and registry maintenance
• List structure and content of data sources commonly available to public health professionals
• Distinguish the roles of HL-7 and Snomed CT in helping to achieve system interoperability
• Characterize available public health information systems applicable to local and state public health practice
• Prepare GIS maps using freely available software and data sources
• Use an open-source Content Management System to create dynamic website pages with public health content
• Examine potential case clusters relevant to public health practice using temporal and spatial scanning software
• Compare and contrast change management and project management as critical administrative tools in public health informatics

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This course covers major concepts, systems and methodology in managing health care information systems. Topics will include concepts in: system implementation and support, information architecture, IT governance in health care, information systems standards, organizing IT services, strategic planning, IT alignment with the health care facility, and management's role in major IT initiatives.

Learning Objective:

The conclusion of the course students will be able to:

• Design strategies for management in acquiring, planning, and implementing major health care IT initiatives.
• Implement sound project management methodologies in health care IT systems, which can be critical to the strategic plan of the facility.
• Evaluate technologies such as electronic medical records, enterprise resource planning, or enterprise collaboration systems, which can facilitate a health care facility’s business processes.
• Integrate the roles of stakeholders, IT staff, and management in designing and implementing health information technology projects.
• Analyze legal compliance requirements that organizations must comply with while implementing and supporting health care information systems. (i.e. HIPAA regulations and JCAHO standards)
• Evaluate health care information technology systems, projects, and provider requirements

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This course introduces the fundamental principles of project management from an information technology perspective, with an emphasis on healthcare industry applications. Fundamental aspects of project management are covered including project integration, the management of scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, and risks. Discussion also includes project management software as well as organizational management aspects such as project planning, team building, organizational structure, and control mechanisms.

Learning Objective:

After completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the genesis of project management and its importance to improving the success of information technology projects
• Demonstrate knowledge of project management terms and techniques such as:
  • The triple constraint of project management
  • The project management knowledge areas and process groups
  • The project life cycle
  • Tools and techniques of project management such as:
    • Project selection methods
    • Work breakdown structures
    • Network diagrams, critical path analysis, and critical chain scheduling
    • Cost estimates
    • Earned value management
    • Motivation theory and team building
• Apply project management concepts by working on an individual or group project as project manager or active team member
• Demonstrate how to use Microsoft Project 2007 or 2010 as well as other software to help plan and manage a small project
• Appreciate the importance of project management skills learned in class:
  • Sharing examples of project management identified in assigned readings and course work
  • Using project management knowledge and skills developed in this class in other settings
• Appraise how decisions made by health care leadership impact data management and health information systems
• Develop strategies to identify options for health information organizations to adapt to changes in their environment.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This course provides students with an overview of health care management, organization behavior, marketing operations, organizational strategy, quality assurance, information systems and financial management are addressed. The importance of integration of these components is emphasized.

Learning Objective:

Upon completion of the course the student will achieve the following competencies:

• Understands the role and functions of management in healthcare facilities including the application differences in various kinds of healthcare facilities and programs.
• Assesses special problems associated with the implementation of modern management programs in healthcare settings and possible methods of dealing with these special requirements.
• Identifies various management decision-making tools used by healthcare administration in the management process with attention to methods of measuring effectiveness and efficiency.
• Correlates and demonstrates the ability to share practical opinions and viewpoints with various health professionals regarding healthcare administration methodologies.
• Explains the role of integrative health care systems and other applications in the strategic competitive environment of the health care system.
• Illustrates and distinguishes the ability to use organizational structure as a management tool and assess alternative structures and their implications on performance.
• Compare and contrast the legal structure of organized health care delivery system models.
• Formulates a strategic competitive plan based on stakeholder analysis and structured internal assessment of a selected health care organization.
• Demonstrates the relationship of managed health care systems and the associated provider reimbursement and quality management.
• Analyzes financial management and planning methods and the resulting role in reporting, control and influence on decision-making in health care delivery organizations.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: The course will cover concepts and applications of healthcare system and data security. Topics include risks and vulnerabilities, policy formation, controls and protection methods, database security, encryption, authentication technologies, host-based and network-based security issues, personnel and physical security issues, issues of law and privacy. Areas of particular focus include secure healthcare system and network design, implementation and transition issues, and techniques for responding to security breaches.

Learning Objective:

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained knowledge of information security and healthcare information security. Students will be able to use security tools and devices to encrypt data, to enhance access control and to increase application and system security.

• Name Information Security (Info Sec) principles and approaches.
• Prioritize threats to healthcare information resources.
• Define information security strategy and architecture.
• Plan for and respond to intruders in a healthcare information system.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of public cryptography and skills of steganography.
• Apply encryption techniques for data and emails.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: The understanding of telecommunications and networking is imperative for adequate functioning of health care organizations. This is due to the convergence of computing, data management, telecommunications and the increasing number of applications of information technology in the health care arena and medical facilities. The knowledge of these key areas of information systems also becomes essential for competitive advantage. This course combines the basic technical concepts of data communications, telecommunications and networking with the health care IT management aspects and practical applications.

Learning Objective:

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

• Identify current concepts of data communications and networking and how to implement them in a medical treatment facility.
• Execute a network implementation by having managerial knowledge of the technical aspects of data communications and computer networks.
• Identify various security risks to a network and ways to minimize them.
• Assess the current trends in telecommunications and networking and the implications for health care and medical facilities.
• Analyze legal compliance requirements that organizations must comply with while implementing and supporting health care information networks. (i.e., HIPAA regulations and JCAHO standards).
• Communicate the basic concepts of information assurance and its implications in network economy.
• Evaluate the implementation and use of wireless networks in medical facilities to enhance patient care and increase the efficiency of providers.
• Determine how emerging end-user devices in the health care arena impacts computer networks, system security HIPAA Security compliance and integrate with electronic health records.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: The need to create effective, new solutions and innovative interventions to deliver quality patient care outside of the traditional medical setting is at the forefront of society today. The basis of this course will be providing a solid educational foundation for systems design & analysis, as it relates to current and future healthcare systems. In addition, this course will build upon the fundamental systems design & analysis to explore current and future healthcare systems that will include integration of disparate clinical principles healthcare systems, mobile technologies , as well as a combination of remote-monitoring technology, sensors, and online communications and intelligence to improve patient adherence, engagement and clinical outcomes.

Learning Objective:

• In the role of a systems analyst, investigate and understand the foundations of systems analysis & design theory and applications as it relates to healthcare systems.
• Establish skills needed to successfully function as a healthcare systems analyst.
• Experience and gain understanding of the added value of mobile technologies in the healthcare marketplace.
• Define and understand the role and of stakeholders as users of healthcare information systems, and give examples of each.
• Manage multiple roles of business drivers and technology drivers, as they relate to the healthcare industry.
• Distinguish between knowledge, process, and communications goals for healthcare systems.
• Employ the essential phases of systems development that includes purpose, inputs, and outputs of a healthcare system.
• Objectively judge and evaluate wireless networking in healthcare systems from a systems analysis & design perspective.
• Incorporate 10 basic principles of systems development as it relates to healthcare systems.
• Use a variety of automated tools for systems development in creation of state of the art healthcare systems.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) directly impacts health care. This course will introduce the student to usable interfaces and the study of social consequences associated with the changing environment due to technology innovation.

Learning Objective:

• Examine the need for evaluating health care information system user interfaces
• Analyze the roles of stakeholders in designing health information user interfaces
• Determine appropriate measurement methods to evaluate interfaces and interaction from the prospective of individual end users isolating your know knowledge from the evaluation
• Appraise ongoing evaluation barriers and facilitators at various phases of design and provide the necessary insight regarding interface integration
• Determine appropriate HCI measurement methods for various evaluation projects
• Examine the need for evaluating health care information technology systems and the impact of HCI in error prevention and real time applications

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This online course builds on the knowledge acquired through MI5200 Survey of Medical Informatics. This course explores the practical aspects of health information technology and seeks to apply the information learned in previous courses to the health care arena. Students will learn to integrate the needs of health care institutions and providers with the use of information technology applications through practical task assignments. Topics will include:

• role of IT in patient safety
• computer security, use, and HIPAA
• public health informatics
• telemedicine
• budget consideration in HIT
• role of IT in health outcomes, economic impact, access to care
• current state of patient focused HIT
• federal governmental HIT involvement, DOQ-IT initiative
• provider needs, EMR system evaluation for providers

The topics will be discussed from a practical standpoint, from the health care provider's perspective.

Learning Objective:

• Analyze "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health Care System (2000)" by the IOM and understand the impact of this document on the health information technology field.
• Explain how information technology has affected patient safety and clinical outcomes by analyzing the current research as it applies to this aspect of HIT.
• Appraise the impact of information technology on health care management at the administrative level.
• Construct a sample institutional IT policy that could be used in a public or private organization.
• Identify the new legal and ethical issues that have arisen since the implementation of electronic medical records.
• Classify the needs of health care providers and /or institutions regarding electronic medical records.
• Explain the importance of evidence based medicine in health care.
• Discuss the resources available to health care providers which help facilitate the use of current evidence based recommendations and guidelines.
• Discuss the implementation of information technology at the federal level.

Explain how different federal agencies use information technology to improve health care planning, disease surveillance, and disaster response as it applies to Public Health Informatics.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: MI 5120, MI 5130, MI 5160, MI 5200

Description: This on-line, interactive course will introduce students to various evaluation methods for healthcare informatics systems, projects and proposals. Students will consider both quantitative and qualitative methods of evaluation as they examine the design and implementation processes. Topics will include: why to evaluate health care informatics projects, deciding what to evaluate, deciding when evaluation should occur, quantitative evaluation methods, qualitative evaluation methods, and overview of some descriptive and inferential statistical methods, barriers and facilitators to project implementation, stakeholders, both internal and external to an organization.

Learning Objective:

• Examine the need for evaluating health care information technology systems and projects.
• Analyze the roles of stakeholders in designing health information technology evaluation projects.
• Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and their application to healthcare informatics evaluation studies.
• Create an evaluation proposal for a health care information technology system or project.
• Appraise ongoing evaluation barriers and facilitators at various phases of an evaluation process in health care informatics.
• Explain the importance of usability assessment and describes techniques for completing usability assessment on information systems.
• Determine appropriate measurement methods for various evaluation projects.
• Explain the difference between cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses in the design and implementation of an evaluation process.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This on-line course is an introduction to the management of employees in health care organizations. Students will gain a working knowledge of how to manage personal, interpersonal, and group processes by having the interpersonal skills to assume responsibility for leading and promoting teamwork among diverse stakeholders. Students will learn to manage individual and group behaviors in improving organizational productivity and performance. Through experiential learning, students will learn to integrate home, work, and educational observations and experiences and to convert them into proactive practical applications for growth and renewal.

Learning Objective:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Evaluate basic concepts of organizational behavior and organizational development
• Critique the major theories of organizational behavior, including McGregor, Maslow, Herzberg, McClelland, Blake and Mouton, Fiedler, Vroom, Skinner and Alderfer
• Assess basic behavioral models of communication, motivation, performance organizational learning and development, and leadership
• Analyze his/her leadership/management style
• Appraise ongoing evaluation barriers and facilitators at various phases of an evaluation process in health care informatics
• Synthesize the structure and dynamics of the small group process
• Appraise the fundamentals and strategies of organizational change

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to grant development and preparation so that they can participate in the process of obtaining public or private funds to support research, education, and/or service projects.

Learning Objective:

• To participate in the process of obtaining public or private funds to support research, education, and/or service projects.

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This course provides an introduction to consumer health informatics and Web 2.0 applications used in healthcare. It explores the development of consumers as ePatients and tools such as patient-controlled electronic health records as well as the fluid nature of Web 2.0 in medicine. Students will learn from a combination of lectures and a hands-on approach of interacting directly with the tools and technologies discussed.

Learning Objective:

Upon completing MI 6410, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate the roles of Web 2.0 and mHealth applications for consumers and healthcare professionals
• Navigate social media and networking applications
• Utilize tools such as RSS readers, Twitter, and podcasts to access and manage information
• Determine beneficial uses of the collaborative toolbox
• Delineate healthcare risks inherent to consumers with Web 2.0

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: MI 5120

Description: This course immerses students in the technical, business, cultural and organizational dynamics typically encountered during HIT systems selection and contract negotiation process. Real world case studies, replete with dynamic political, financial and technical roadblocks and opportunities, will be used to introduce the student to skills required to make the best cultural decisions and negotiate a viable contract.

Learning Objective:

• Discuss and document the six phases of the procurement
• Analyze factors that are important when qualifying and selecting suppliers for a project requirement
• Examine the key factors, including risk factors that affect buyer/supplier decisions concerning contract pricing and the selection of the proper contract type
• Analyze the application of e-Procurement and other types of supplier bidding models available
• Evaluate technical, management, commercial and ethical requirements, and then prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Determine the key factors used when negotiating an agreement or evaluating competitive proposals and establish a negotiating strategy
• Analyze factors that are important when qualifying and selecting suppliers for a project requirement and;
• Develop the skills to negotiate fair and ethical contracts which beneficially serve the business needs and missions of all parties involved

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This course provides the conceptual and technical skills needed in leading health information technology. It is designed to create a profound understanding of leadership at the cognitive and action levels to enable health information leaders to optimize decision-making in the workplace. Students review remarkable leaders, organizations, and teams in order to hone their own observation, sense-making, and innovating skills in a health information setting. This leadership course reviews and builds upon the basic knowledge of leadership provided in the organizational behavior course by expanding the scope and depth of the student's knowledge of leadership theories, conflict management techniques, and by developing the student's self-knowledge of his or her preferred leadership styles.

Learning Objective:

• Describe the historical development of leadership theory and its impact upon health information technology
• Appraise how decisions made by health care leadership impact data management and health information systems
• Compare the main conceptual approaches to health information technology leadership, and their strengths and weaknesses
• Identify the key principles and practices of leadership in order to improve leadership skills in health information technology
• Apply organizational leadership concepts in a health information setting through critical thinking
• Evaluate the effectiveness of particular organizational leadership styles in health information settings
• Explain current trends toward greater employee empowerment and team leadership
• Develop strategies to identify options for health information organizations to adapt to changes in their environment
• Evaluate and anticipate places in which you will develop and extend your leadership in health information organizations during your career and lifetime

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: This class will provide students with introductory understanding of clinical analysts' daily responsibilities and functions within hospitals. Students will be introduced to daily operations of clinical software systems and lead to understand how such systems are used by health care organizations to provide quality care services.

Learning Objective:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyze the management and support of clinical users' HIT business needs
• Evaluate how clinical information systems are used to improve quality of care
• Illustrate and apply commonly used HIT terminologies
• Take the CPHIMSS examination for certification

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description: Medical data transmission using wireless technologies continues to play an increasing role in the health care industry. This course introduces fundamental knowledge of telemedicine technologies. Essential aspects of wireless technologies in patient care, medical information processing, telemedicine systems deployment, safeguarding medical data and privacy, and future trends in healthcare technologies are covered. Discussions also includes technical perspectives, overview of telemedicine, planning and deployment considerations, scalability to support future growth, integration with existing infrastructure, information security, cryptography, and other critical components of telemedicine technologies.

Learning Objective:

After completing the course students should be able to:

• Comprehend primary concepts of telemedicine technologies
• Understand the fundamentally technologies used in telemedicine
• Delineate the capabilities of wireless networks
• Review the challenges and limitations of current technology associated with health care information systems
• Demonstrate telemedicine wireless communication basics
• Describe the technologies in medical information processing
• Discuss wireless telemedicine systems deployment
• Expand their knowledge of wireless technologies in patient monitoring
• Apply information technologies in disaster response and in rural areas
• Explain the technologies for safeguarding medical data and privacy cryptography
• Discuss future trends in healthcare technology

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: None

Description:Lean Six Sigma for Health Care (Green Belt) participants learn the skills, tools, and techniques to deliver breakthrough business improvements and cost reductions, and prepare for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification exam. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt candidates will learn to function simultaneously inside two frameworks, the business framework and the Six Sigma cultural framework. They will learn to develop a comprehensive set of 15-20 Lean Six Sigma process improvement toolsets by focusing on the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) approach to process improvement. They will learn techniques for both quantitative and non-quantitative analysis, as well as methods and tools for waste reduction and process enhancement and acceleration. The course also covers how to map out processes and identify sources of variation, as well as to gain a basic understanding of statistical analysis. Finally, they will learn how to perform basic experiments and analyze data, in order to determine the most effective way to improve and stabilize a process. Candidates work on either an integrated health care case study or on an actual business project, and will apply classroom techniques to the project.

Learning Objective:

After completing the course students should be able to:

• Identify opportunities for system and process improvement in health care settings
• Use enhanced problem solving and critical thinking skills and apply systems thinking to innovation and quality improvement projects in hospitals and other clinical settings
• Identify valid and critical to quality customer and business requirements and related measures and then turn the data into actionable information to manage and improve organizational processes
• Assess and modify clinical work flow process using Excel/Visio to decrease health care costs, increase patient safety, improve treatment outcomes, and increase customer satisfaction
• Perform as a Team Leader, or Subject Matter Expert (SME), on process improvement teams, and have project management skills and knowledge of how to measure a process and apply the tools needed
• Apply the Quality Management DMAIC model and project selection techniques, in accordance with the Lean Six Sigma principles following the Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BoK) as it relates to health care
• Evaluate and facilitate Lean Six Sigma projects in meeting ROI and improvement targets, and assist others engaged in health care performance improvement to apply the Six Sigma concept and methodology
• Map out health care processes to identify sources of variation, and to acquire an intermediate-level understanding of statistical analysis, as well as learn to perform basic experiments and analyze data to determine the most effective way to improve and stabilize processes
• Analyze measurement patterns and results of biomedical information utilizing basic statistical concepts in conjunction with Six Sigma-specific software (e.g., Sigma XL/QI Macros/Excel) to synthesize pertinent data.
• Apply ethical concepts to making decisions and generating solutions

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite: MI 5120, MI 5130, MI 5200

Description: This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of set-up and using the applications of one of the most commonly used electronic health record systems in the US, NextGen, in clinical settings. Students will be required to complete the NextGen e-learning modules before the on campus hands on training sessions.

This is a required course for the competitive internship opportunity in the NSU clinics (more details to follow).

Learning Objective:

After completion of the course students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to use and set-up NextGen EHR and ExpressRx applications
• Use the Knowledge Base Model (KBM) templates and workflows
• Complete at least one demonstration of Stage 1 Meaningful use with NexGen solutions
• Evaluate the current use of clinical application of NextGen at NSU clinics
• Identify ways to improve the functionality and workflow for NSU clinics

No. of Credits: 3

Pre-Requisite:

• Learned at least one programming language in C, C++, C# or Java
• A Mac computer (MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or others) that runs Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) or over

Description: Introduction to iOS apps development with emphasis on health information technology projects. Topics cover iOS development environment setup, Objective C language syntax, Model-View-Controller design patterns, iOS apps lifecycle, GUI implementation, multi-touch handling, file handling, SQLite database handling, threading, graphics processing, audio and video processing, multi-platform support for iPhone and iPad, maps displaying, and web service using.

Learning Objective:

After completing this course, a student will be able to:

• Use the Objective C language and the Model-View-Controller design patterns to design and implement healthcare related apps on iOS platforms such as iPhone and iPad
• Design and implement GUIs on mobile devices to meet industry design criteria
• Handle interactions with multi-touch screen
• Process and add graphics, animations, audio and video into apps, and use the built-in sensors to capture and process audio and video
• Use web services in apps
• Understand the limitations and necessary tradeoffs involved in designing healthcare apps for resource-constrained platforms