10. Health Informatics

Courses of study

From 2008, a professional qualification four year combined degree, the Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Health Informatics has replaced the previous Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management) course. See Chapter 23 for further information on the combined degree.

There are three postgraduate coursework programs offered in the discipline of Health Informatics.

• The Master of Health Informatics degree, introduced in 2008, is designed to provide graduates with the required knowledge and skills to be able to understand and improve the way in which health care delivery and patient outcomes are enhanced through the effective use and exchange of information. Students will be equipped with the required breadth and depth of knowledge, understanding and expertise in the design, implementation and use of information and communication technologies in health. The course is a graduate entry master's program for students who wish to pursue a career as a health informatics specialist or health informaticians.

• The Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Clinical Data Management) is designed to provide health professionals with a working knowledge of the management of clinical data used in clinical trials and other projects. The program is delivered in flexible mode with part distance delivery and part workshop presentations. On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate program in clinical data management, students may apply to articulate into the Master of Health Science (Clinical Data Management) with credit for units completed.

• The Master of Health Science (Clinical Data Management) offers advanced study in the design and management of clinical trials and other related projects. The course is suitable for data managers, health information managers and other health professionals working with, or planning to work with, clinical data and other health databases. This program is offered in flexible mode with one part of the program offered by distance and one part delivered via workshops and block mode teaching.

More information on the postgraduate coursework programs can be found in Chapter 23.

The postgraduate research degrees include Master of Applied Science (Health Information Management) and a PhD program. These programs provide graduates with an opportunity for research and scholarship in an area of study related to health information management. Research areas include electronic health information systems, health classification/terminologies and population health.

See Chapter 31 for information on research degrees offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Professional information

Health information managers and health informaticians are key members of the health care team, responsible for the design, implementation and management of patient and facility-related health information. A career in health informatics provides a unique opportunity to combine an interest in medical science, information technology and management. The role of the health informatician is dynamic and involves close liaison with medical, nursing and allied health staff, administrative staff, bureaucrats and the public. Health informatics is an expanding field that offers a broad range of career opportunities and, due to the changing patterns of health care delivery, management, and advances in information technologies, qualified health informaticians are in demand. Jobs are interesting and challenging and graduates are rewarded with competitive salaries.

The Health Information Management Association of Australia officially represents the profession and promotes the continuing education of its members through regular seminars, workshops and conferences. All students enrolled in the Master of Health Informatics are eligible for student membership of the Association, and upon satisfactory completion of the degree, are eligible for full membership.

Further information

Telephone: +61 2 9351 9161
Website: www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/

No first year intake from 2007

Please note: The combined degrees of Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Health Informatics replace the Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management) course. See Chapter 23 for more information on the combined degrees.

Honours

Students are advised to contact the course coordinator for specific information related to the Health Information Management honours program.

Course outline

The course outlines for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management) pass and honours are presented in Tables 10.1 and 10.1.1. Units of study are described in Chapter 19.

Table 10.1: Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management) Pass

Table 10.1.1: Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management) Honours

Professional experience

Professional experience provides students with a variety of learning experiences which relate both to the theoretical content of the classroom and to their future professional career goals. A range of field-based activities are organised in selected learning sites which include hospitals, community care centres, research units and the Department of Health (NSW).

Identification badges

All students must wear identification badges during practical placements.

Clinical practice dates

Year 4

2 week intra-semester block, Semester 2