Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Medicine Faculty
The course focuses on planning, designing, and implementing digital health technologies into the healthcare system and clinical practice. This course emphasises the digital transformation of healthcare services and the need for upskilling students in change management. This course uses narrative digital learning practices to guide students through a transformative journey from digital health novices to effectively using and applying digital health technologies in clinical practice. The distinctly different sectors of hospital, community (primary care), and home will be explored, along with the significant digital health technologies relevant to each sector. In addition, students will examine how technology can support and engage the consumer in self-care 'wellness', priorities of governments as they seek to ensure future good population health. Implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Australia and other developed and developing nations will be covered.
Course contact
Student support
Mrs Louise Harding
Student support
Course staff
Lecturer
Curriculum designer
Mrs Louise Harding
Timetable
Additional timetable information
This course is delivered online, so there is no class timetable available on SI-net. The learning activities are outlined in Section 4 of the Course Profile and further details are provided through the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
Aims and outcomes
This course is designed to introduce you to the utility of digital health technology/tools and systems and clinical informatics within the clinical practice of healthcare. You will gain an understanding of the acknowledged gaps in healthcare delivery (at client, clinician and organisational levels) and the intended application/vision of digital health to address those gaps. You will investigate a range of digital health technologies in the areas of clinical practice, person-centric engagement with healthcare, organisational workflows and research. The course content is underpinned by the quadruple aim of healthcare (i.e. how does digital health and clinical informatics improve the health of the population, improve the patient experience of care, reduce healthcare costs and improve the work life of health providers?).
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the relevance and importance of digital health within safe and effective patient-centred care.
LO2.
Apply digital health solutions in clinical practice scenarios.
LO3.
Evaluate the impact of digital health interventions on patient care and outcomes.
LO4.
Develop strategies for implementing digital health in diverse healthcare settings.
LO5.
Understand the future of digital health in Australia regarding healthcare priorities and the aging population.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
Assessment Task 1: Letter to the Editor
|
30% |
14/03/2025 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Assessment Task 2: Project Pitch Video Presentation
|
30% |
28/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Assessment Task 3: Digital Health Evaluation Proposal
|
40% |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Letter to the Editor
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
14/03/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
Task Goal
To demonstrate professional leadership and advocacy capabilities by applying critical self-reflection skills and discussing the understanding of key concepts and experiences of learning digital health and its application into the health system.
This assessment task introduces you to the course by critically describing, analysing and proposing a digital health strategy to improve health outcomes or health system performance. You are expected to complete this Assessment offline and submit it via Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
You are an academic expert in the field of digital health. For this assignment, you will write a letter to the editor to share your expertise and propose a strategy for implementing digital health technology or stimulate intellectual discussion of an actual digital health implementation you are concerned about. You will discuss the challenges, replication or new interpretations of a published digital health implementation. This is a formal post-publication short communication.
Task Brief:
- Select an article published in a peer-reviewed journal describing a digital health innovation implemented in clinical practice in your particular area of professional or personal interest.
- You can check the appropriateness of your chosen application with the Course Coordinator.
- This is an individual assessment.
- We exclusively use the UQ e-learning platform Learn.UQ (Blackboard) for the submission.
- You will write an academic-style short article.
- This letter must target an audience with an academic background or readers of peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
- The word limit is 1000 – 1300 words (without references). A 10% on each side of the limit is permitted.
- You will use the Vancouver referencing style, with a minimum of 10 academic references.
Submission guidelines
Via Turnitin link on the Course Assessment page Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
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.
Students must apply via the formal channels.
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.
Assessment Task 2: Project Pitch Video Presentation
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
28/04/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
Task Goal
To demonstrate professional knowledge of the application of technology by describing and analysing current applications of digital health technologies in the healthcare system.
This assessment task aims to consolidate your learning of Module 2 by selecting, describing, and analysing a specific digital health application in a video presentation. You are expected to complete this Assessment offline and submit it via Learn.UQ(Blackboard).
Task Brief:
- This is an online activity.
- We exclusively use the UQ e-learning platform Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
- Upload a 7-8 minute video describing a digital health intervention published in a peer-reviewed journal available through UQ Library.
- The video should describe a case study of a digital health implementation.
- Describe the key element of the service provision, including population, intervention and outcomes.
- Discuss and critically assess the case study and the lessons learnt.
- Propose the following steps for further research and digital health implementation.
- Use a maximum of 10 references applying the Vancouver referencing style.
Submission guidelines
On Learn.UQ (Blackboard) via Course Assessment page
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.
Students must apply via the formal channels.
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.
Assessment Task 3: Digital Health Evaluation Proposal
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
Task Goal:
To demonstrate professional leadership and advocacy capabilities by applying critical self-reflection skills and discussing the understanding of key concepts and experiences of learning digital health and its application into the health system.
This assessment task aims to consolidate your learning of the course by critically describing, analysing and proposing a strategy for optimising the implementation of digital health technologies. You are expected to complete this Assessment offline and submit it via Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Task Description:
You are a health professional working in the field of digital health. For this assignment, you will write an article for “The Conversation” to explain and propose a strategy for implementing a digital health technology or discuss an ongoing issue in the actual digital health implementation that you consider to be addressed. You will explore the pros and cons of each strategy or issue and propose a solution for improvement.
Task Brief:
- Select a digital health innovation that has been successfully integrated into clinical practice in your particular area of professional or personal interest. It can be the same as the one in Assessment 2.
- You can check the appropriateness of your chosen application with the Course Coordinator.
- This is an individual assessment.
- We exclusively use the UQ e-learning platform Learn.UQ (Blackboard) for the submission.
- You will write an academic-style news article.
- This essay needs to target an audience with an academic background or readers of TheConversation.com
- The word limit is 1000 – 1300 words (without references). A 10% on each side of the limit is permitted.
- You will use the Vancouver referencing style, with a minimum of 10 academic references.
Submission guidelines
Via Turnitin link on the Course Assessment page Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
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.
Students must apply via the formal channels.
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.
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: Attains an overall mark less than 25%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 25% but less than 45%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 45% but less than 50%. Please note: Students will be unable to achieve a grade above 3 if they do not complete all assessment items, regardless of overall course performance. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 50% but less than 65%. Please note: To achieve a grade of 4 or above, students mustﾠcomplete and submit all assessment items. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 65% but less than 75%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 75% but less than 85%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 85%. |
Additional course grading information
Students are required to complete and submit all Assessment items to pass this course.
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).
To pass this course you need to submit all Assessment items. You do not have to pass each assessment piece individually but need to gain 50% or more to pass overall.
Note - half marks may be given.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing some assessments. Students may appropriately use AI in completing their assessment tasks for this course unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Students must clearly describe and reference any use of AI in each instance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please be aware that assessments in this course have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.ﾠ
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
Library resources are available 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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Problem-based learning |
Module 1 : Positioning the digital health transformation of healthcare Module 1 runs through Teaching Weeks 1-4. Each week students will be provided with a study guide, pre-recorded lecture(s), reading and learning activity material. Topics covered are: Week 1: Overview of the Healthcare systems; an overview of health systems, access, equity and clinical practice needs. Week 2: Introduction to Digital Health, Pt 1; introduces students to the essential concepts of digital health and its technologies. Week 3: Introduction to Digital Health, Pt 2; explores the recent expansion of telehealth, its approaches, and its applicability in clinical practice. Week 4: Digital Transformation - Quadruple Aim of Healthcare; discusses the need for digital transformation in healthcare and its impact on populations’ health and well-being. |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 8 |
Problem-based learning |
Module 2: Planning for digital health transformation Module 2 runs through Teaching Weeks 4-8. Weekly learning resources include study guides, required and recommended reading, pre-recorded lectures & learning activities. Topics covered are: Week 5: Planning Tools Pt 1. Introduction to Program Logic Model. Topic five will explore the foundations of planning interventions in digital health Week 6: Planning Tools Pt 2: Stakeholder engagement. Topic six will provide an overview of stakeholder engagement as a key element for planning digital health interventions. Week 7: Planning Tools Pt 3: Practical data management. Topic seven will provide an overview of the tools needed for data management and ensure data quality when planning a digital health intervention. Week 8: Data Analysis, Ethics, Governance and Quality. Topic eight integrates concepts of ethics, governance and quality to plan effective and sustainable digital health interventions |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Problem-based learning |
Module 3: Implementation & Evaluation Module 3 runs through Teaching Weeks 9-13. Students are provided with weekly learning resources, i.e. study guides, required and recommended reading, pre-recorded lectures & learning activities. Topics covered are: Week 9: Clinical Decision Making. Topic nine discusses the potential of digital health technologies to support clinical decision-making. Week 10: Introduction to Evaluation frameworks and design for efficient digital health implementation. Week 11: Integration Strategies: Topic eleven explores sustainability, system interoperability, data privacy, security, compliance, and common reasons for the failure of digital clinical applications. It also overviews the funding system and economic evaluation of Australia's current digital health model. Week 12: Digital Health Implementation Strategies and Entrepreneurship. Partnerships and Communication for Evaluation. Week 13: Digital Health Transformation: Summary (Review) In the final teaching week, we will review the important concepts discussed throughout the course to assist in preparation for the final Assessment. |
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.