Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- 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.
HLTH7001 is an introductory course in digital health. The focus is 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.
This 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
Professor Anthony Smith
Associate Professor Liam Caffery
Dr Emma Thomas
Dr Jaimon Kelly
Dr Victor Gallegos Rejas
Timetable
Additional timetable information
There is no timetable for this course, all material is provided online and the study modules can be completed online each week by you at your convenience.
Aims and outcomes
This course introduces you to the interface of technology and healthcare and draws your attention to several key questions:
- Has digital health the potential to improve access to care and healthcare outcomes for different patient groups and populations?
- Does digital health improve clinical decision making, diagnostics and management, patient safety, clinician satisfaction, team work, workflows and organisational efficiency?
- What are the implications of digital technologies on population health and health literacy?
Studying current research evidence and referring to actual current practice, you will explore the impact and implications of digital health on how healthcare is delivered. 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.
Have a contemporary knowledge of the domestic and international drivers of digital health strategy, policy, research and innovation
LO3.
Be able to identify the types of information and communication technologies currently utilised in healthcare and their impact
LO4.
Appreciate how interoperable electronic health records and digitised healthcare data assist optimal clinical decision making
LO5.
Have the ability to critique the advantages and potential challenges prior to integrating digital health technologies into clinical work practices
LO6.
Be able to 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: Online Discussion via Padlet
|
5% (1% for each of the 5 discussion questions) |
29/07/2024 - 18/10/2024
Submissions are due by 5pm of the related Teaching Week. |
| Quiz |
Assessment Task 2: Multiple choice questions
|
25% |
6/09/2024 5:00 pm
Available to sit from 8am, 02/09/2024 |
| Poster |
Assessment task 3: Infographics presentation
|
30% |
20/09/2024 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Assessment Task 4: Narrated 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: Online Discussion via Padlet
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 5% (1% for each of the 5 discussion questions)
- Due date
29/07/2024 - 18/10/2024
Submissions are due by 5pm 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 and problem solving - 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 your thoughts/ideas to the Padlet. Worth 1% each for meaningful/relevant contributions (specific guidelines / word limit will be provided on Learn.UQ).
Participation in Assessment Task 1 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.
Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.
Assessment Task 2: Multiple choice questions
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
6/09/2024 5:00 pm
Available to sit from 8am, 02/09/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
After completing Week 6 learning activities, you need to complete an assessment in the form of multiple choice questions (online MCQ delivered on Learn.UQ Assessment page). 25 questions (worth 1 mark each) will be based on the topics and learning resources covered in the weeks prior to the test (i.e. Weeks 1-6 inclusive.)
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: Infographics presentation
- 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 of Week 9 you are required to submit an infographic (poster) on a chosen topic relating to digital health.
The objective of this assessment task is to consolidate your learning (Weeks 1-8) 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.
- Full instructions will be made available via Learn.UQ.
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: Narrated Presentation
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
25/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
At the end of Week 13 , you are required to produce a narrated presentation (using Microsoft PowerPoint) on a selected topic. A list of topics/prompts will be provided and you must choose one for your presentation. Alternatively, you may opt for a topic of your choice, pending approval from the Course Coordinator before initiating your work. You must integrate voiceover (narration) into your presentation to expand on your ideas. Full instructions will be made available via Learn.UQ.
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. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 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: 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. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you need to submit all mandatory assessment pieces (i.e. Assessment Tasks 2,3 & 4). You do not have to pass each assessment piece individually but you do need to gain 50% or more to pass overall. Note - half marks may be given.
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%.
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:ﾠOverview - 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.
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Introduction to digital health We begin the course by introducing and unpacking the concept of digital health and review the related terms and definitions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Evolution of digital health This week's topic will focus on the historical development of digital health. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
What is driving digital health today? The focus for Week 3 is what drives digital health in modern day health services (i.e., population health priorities, advancements in technology, demand from consumers and healthcare providers.) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Underpinnings of digital health This week we will discuss the main aims and objectives of digital health with a focus on the Quadruple Aim of Health and related policies/strategies. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Clinical decision making Week 5 we explore the potential of digital health in clinical decision making (i.e., How does it support access to the right information, on the right patient at the right time?; How does it improve clinical handover and continuity of care?; How does it support access to clinical guidelines and up to date evidence?; and How does it support multi-disciplinary team communication?). Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Technology that supports assisted living and ageing in place This week's topic will delve into the role of digital health (services/technology) to support healthcare delivery into the home - focus is on aged care and disability. We will use tertiary diabetic care as a case study. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Mobile devices & health Topic of this week is the mHealth - the use of mobile medical devices, services and consumer technology to support remote care. The case study from Week 6 is further explored. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Arming the patient with information Improving the digital health literacy of the general population is recognised as vital for improving population health. We explore tools/applications that support this using mental healthcare self-directed applications and rehabilitation telehealth applications as case examples. We explore if actively involving a client in their healthcare (as opposed to being passive recipients) can support optimal outcomes and also help to keep our 'well population' well. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Digital health for critical care The role of digital health in critical care (Emergency, Acute Care, Intensive Care) and disaster situations are explored this week. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Emerging technologies We will examine the emerging technologies and their role in healthcare delivery - e.g., machine learning and blockchain applications, AI (particularly in clinical decision making and triage) and the use of AR/VR in rehabilitation. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Issues and challenges Explore the issues and challenges relating to the use of digital health - e.g. interoperability, standardisation, change management, workflow/workforce, privacy & security of data related issues. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Case-based learning |
Global status of digital health This week we will explore several international models of digital health integration (country/organisation models) and reflect on what has worked and what hasn't. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Review Key reflection points relating to the overarching learning objectives will be summarised along with suggestions/helpful tips for Assessment Task 4. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Additional learning activity information
All weekly learning activities are made up of a Study Guide, Lecture and complementary reading/quiz questions to embed knowledge. Weeks 2, 4, 5, 10 & 12 are extended by Group Discussion via Padlet - i.e. Assessment Task 1. Note: Assessment Task 1 is not mandatory but participation does extend peer-peer learning.
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.