PREV 634 HEALTH INFORMATICS
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of health informatics, combining perspectives to medicine, public health, social science and computer science. Particular attention is given to diverse use of computers and information technology in healthcare and the biomedical sciences, including specific applications and general methods, current issues, capabilities and limitations of health informatics. Health Informatics studies the organization of medical information, the effective management of information using computer technology, and the impact of such technology on medical research, education, and patient care. The field explores techniques for assessing current information practices, determining the information needs of healthcare and biomedical research professionals and other workers and patients, developing systems using computer technology, and evaluating the impact of these systems. The course covers a wide range of health informatics applications relevant to healthcare delivery organizations, government agencies, biomedical researchers and commercial entities. The course provides an overview of major health informatics
techniques aimed at optimizing the use of information to improve the quality of healthcare, reduce cost, provide better education for providers and patients, and to conduct medical research more effectively. Prerequisites: Some experience with computers and a passing familiarity with biology and/or medicine is useful.