Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Medicine Faculty
This course introduces you to the utility of information and communication technologies (ICT) within modern healthcare practice. You will learn about a range of digital technologies and applications in the areas of clinical practice, education and administration that are fast becoming commonplace. The course fosters awareness of digital health at national and international levels; it examines the characteristics of digital health innovation, strategic vision and deployment in various countries such as Australia, US, Canada, Europe and the developing world. While evaluating the technological advances relative to patient-centred care, you will also study the potential pitfalls of the use of technology in healthcare. The course draws attention to the associated social, ethical, legal issues and workflow issues that must be considered when integrating digital health into clinical practice.
This introductory course in digital health has a focus on the uptake and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in healthcare. You will learn about the differing types of digital health, relevant technologies and telecommunication techniques that are becoming commonplace in health care service delivery.
The course:
- covers the use of digital patient data, electronic health records, electronic forms, secure messaging, telehealth, mobile health and computerised clinical decision making tools and the impact and implication of such methods on patient-centred healthcare work practices. The integration of technology in healthcare environment is considered a catalyst for innovative and effective patient care.
- examines the impact of ICT integration in healthcare along with other factors such as human resources, economics and government policies.
- will set you on the path to thinking critically about issues related to digital health.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Dr Jaimon Kelly
Professor Anthony Smith
Associate Professor Liam Caffery
Dr Victor Gallegos Rejas
Dr Emma Thomas
Aims and outcomes
This course introduces you to the interface of technology and draws your attention to several key questions:
- Has digital health the potential to improve access to care for different patient groups and populations?
- Does digital health improve clinical decision making?
- What are the implications of digital technologies on population health and health literacy?
Studying current research evidence and referring to current practice, you will explore the impact and implications of digital health on patient-centred care. The course invites you to dwell on definitions of digital health and examine the historical developments and the types of digital health applications currently having a noticeable impact on the health care sector.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the relevance and importance of digital health within the domain of safe and effective patient-centred care
LO2.
Review and discuss the domestic and international drivers of digital health strategy, policy, research and innovation
LO3.
Identify the types of information and communication technologies currently utilised in healthcare and their impact
LO4.
Understand how interoperable electronic health records and digitised healthcare data assist optimal clinical decision making
LO5.
Explore and discuss the advantages and potential challenges of integrating digital health technologies into clinical work practices
LO6.
Reflect on the suitability of digital tools, applications and information sites to improve population health literacy
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Assessment Task 1: Group Discussion (via Padlet)
|
5% (5 discussions, each worth 1%) |
29/07/2024 - 18/10/2024
Due on the Friday (5pm AEST) of the related teaching week. |
| Quiz |
Assessment Task 2: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
|
25% |
6/09/2024 5:00 pm
Available to sit from 8am, 02/09/2024 |
| Poster |
Assessment Task 3: Infographic
|
30% |
20/09/2024 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Assessment Task 4: Presentation
|
40% |
25/10/2024 5:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Group Discussion (via Padlet)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 5% (5 discussions, each worth 1%)
- Due date
29/07/2024 - 18/10/2024
Due on the Friday (5pm AEST) of the related teaching week.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
During the semester we will use Padlet to encourage collaborative learning - this is an important element of the learning process. Another objective of this activity is to exchange ideas about the concepts and processes covered in the course with your fellow students. In Teaching Weeks 2, 3, 5, 10 & 12 a topic for discussion will be posted on the Course Assessment page and a link to the related Padlet. You will contribute thoughts/ideas to the Padlet. Worth 1% each for meaningful/relevant contributions (specific guidelines / word limit will be provided).
Participation is not mandatory. Late submissions will not be marked.
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Submissions will not be eligible for marking once the due date/time has passed.
Assessment Task 2: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
6/09/2024 5:00 pm
Available to sit from 8am, 02/09/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
After completing Week 6 learning activities, you need to complete an assessment in the form of multiple choice questions (online MCQ). 25 questions (worth 1 mark each) will be based on the topics and learning resources covered in the weeks prior to the test.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 or above, you must complete and submit this mandatory assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Assessment Task 3: Infographic
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
20/09/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
At the end completion of Teaching Week 9, you are required to design an Infographics (poster) on a chosen topic relating to digital health.
The objective of this assessment task is to consolidate your learning of Module 2 by researching and then summarising a specific digital application of your choice in an infographic style or poster- style presentation. You are expected to complete this assessment offline and then submit it on Learn.UQ.
- Research a digital health innovation that has been successfully integrated into clinical practice in your particular area of professional or personal interest. This does not have to be from within Australia – you can choose an innovation from anywhere in the world. You may choose one that you have already researched and presented in the course discussion forums.
- The assessment will be marked according to the following criteria:
Content (24 marks)
Health/Healthcare Issue - 7 marks
Choice of relevant health or healthcare issue
Identify the healthcare need that this innovation addresses and the relevant stakeholders.
Brief and clear description of the issue (main features / magnitude/stakeholders etc)
Critique of alternative solutions (current and potential solutions)
Digital health application - 10 marks
Choice of relevant digital health application/association with healthcare need
Description of the innovation (origin/main features/data exchange & clinical communication capability)
Description of workflow in a clinical setting / current level of integration into clinical practice
Evidence - 7 marks
Evidence/statistics to support clinical utility and effectiveness
Main limitations and barriers to wider use
Brief statement about the future directions
Overall academic rigor of the study (critical thinking and analytical ability).
Format (6 marks)
Structure and logical order of presentation
Clarity of presentation (space/title/referencing)
You must use Vancouver referencing style. Please find detailed guide to Vancouver referencing style at: http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/vancouv.pdf
Appropriate use of images, text, colour etc
Note:
Note: You may design this assessment using any software programme that you choose but the final format to be uploaded to Learn.UQ must be an image image file or a PDF file. To be presented in an infographic style or poster-style format. Final format must be a 1 page file:
- Use imagery and data whenever appropriate
- Provide the information in a clear, concise, logical manner and make appropriate use of the space available.
Full instructions will be provided on Learn.UQ - Course Assessment page.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 or above, you must complete and submit this mandatory assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Assessment Task 4: Presentation
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
25/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
You are required to produce a 10 minute narrated (i.e. voiced) presentation on a selected topic. A list of topics/prompts will be provided, you must choose one for your presentation. Alternatively, you may opt for a topic of your choice, pending approval from course coordinators before initiating your work. Full instructions will be provided on Learn.UQ - Course Assessment page.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 or above, you must complete and submit this mandatory assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - insufficient basic knowledge and understanding of the essentials in subject matter; incomplete answers; poor structure, organisation and coherence of thought; shows some grasp of problems, but lacks clarity; little evidence of independent thought; little or no evidence of originality; low level of professionalism and presentation. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - deficiencies in knowledge and understanding of the essentials in subject matter; providing answers but incomplete; poor structure, organisation and coherence of thought; shows some grasp of problems, but lacks clarity; little evidence of independent thought; little or no evidence of originality; low level of professionalism and presentation. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - basic knowledge and understanding of the essentials in subject matter; providing answers but incomplete; poor structure, organisation and coherence of thought; shows some grasp of problems, but lacks clarity; little evidence of independent thought; little or no evidence of originality; low level of professionalism and presentation. Please note: You will be unable to achieve a grade above 3 if you do not complete all mandatory assessment items, regardless of overall course performance. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - sound knowledge and understanding of the relevant subject area; ability to construct a coherent and relevant argument; work contains fair amount of analysis; competent professional standards in presentation; fair degree of factual accuracy; fair level of language use. Please note: To achieve a grade of 4 or above, you must complete and submit all mandatory assessment items. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - good coverage of the subject and understanding of the material; very good professional standards of competence, expression and presentation; clear evidence of the potential to understand original research; evidence of some creativity, originality and independence of thought; ability to assemble information from different sources to produce well-organised work; some ability to analyse data critically; good degree of factual accuracy. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - excellent research potential; ability to plan, organise and execute research independently and to a very high professional standard; high professional standards of competence, expression and presentation; high degree of creativity, originality and independence of thoughts; ability to assemble information from different sources to produce very well organised arguments; ability to analyse data critically and formulate questions which may lead to a productive line of enquiry; ability to critically analyse primary sources of literature and information critically; high level of presentation. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work displaying some or all of the following features, depending on the nature of the assignment or task - full coverage and understanding of the subject content; outstanding research potential; evidence of having read and understood the required reading; evidence of the integration of your own experience into the written material; demonstration of critical thinking about the topic; clear and unambiguous expression of ideas; clear, coherent arguments which are well justified; ability to analyse data critically and formulate questions which lead to an original line of enquiry; an exceptional degree of creativity, originality and independence of thought; highest professional standards of competence, expression and presentation; high standard of language use. |
Additional course grading information
Calculation of Final Grade
The percentage mark for this course is reached by calculating the weighted average percentage mark achieved across the marked assessment tasks. The total of the weighted assessment tasks for the course will be rounded to two decimal points if required, with the final mathematical rounding to an integer at the end yielding a percentage mark. A mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
You must complete and submit all Assessment Tasks 2, 3 and 4 to pass the course. Assessment Task 1 is not mandatory. Note - half marks may be given.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note that all submission dates for assessments are in Brisbane time - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support you in completing some assessments. You may appropriately use AI in completing your assessment tasks for this course unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. You must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Refer to the following guide regarding referencing of AI: Overview - ChatGPT and other generative AI tools - Library Guides at University of Queensland Library.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Introduction to digital health Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Evolution of digital health & informatics Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
What drives digital health transformation? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
The underpinnings of digital health Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Clinical decision making enhanced by digital health Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Digital health for critical care Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Mobile devices & remote monitoring - chronic disease management Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Arming the patient with information - digital health literacy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Ageing in place and assisted living Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Emerging technologies Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Issues and challenges Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Global status of digital health Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Additional learning activity information
Each week the learning resources will include study guide, lecture(s) and required/recommended reading. Discussion questions via Padlet (relates to optional Assessment Task 1) will be associated with Weeks 2, 3, 5, 10 & 12 content.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.