Digital Health Systems Technology

Major: Digital Health Systems Technology

Overview: The Digital Health Systems Technology program prepares students to design, implement, and manage digital technologies in healthcare. This major focuses on electronic health records (EHR), health information systems, telemedicine, and data analytics to improve patient care and healthcare efficiency. Graduates are equipped for careers in hospitals, health IT companies, government health agencies, and consulting firms.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of digital health systems and health informatics.
• Develop skills in managing electronic health records (EHR) and health information systems.
• Learn techniques for integrating telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), and wearable technologies.
• Explore principles of healthcare data analytics, privacy, and security.
• Analyze and optimize healthcare workflows using digital technologies.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills for effective digital health management.

Core Courses:

1. Introduction to Digital Health Systems

   • Overview of digital health technologies, trends, and their impact on healthcare delivery.

2. Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management

   • Techniques for managing EHR systems, data entry, and retrieval.

3. Health Information Systems

   • Study of health IT infrastructure, software applications, and system integration.

4. Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring

   • Principles of telehealth platforms, remote monitoring devices, and virtual care.

5. Healthcare Data Analytics

   • Techniques for analyzing healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

6. Health Data Privacy and Security

   • Principles of data security, compliance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR), and ethical handling of patient information.

7. Mobile Health (mHealth) and Wearable Technologies

   • Development and use of mobile health applications and wearable devices.

8. Healthcare IT Project Management

   • Techniques for planning, implementing, and managing health IT projects.

9. Internship/Practicum

   • Hands-on experience in hospitals, health IT companies, or government health agencies.

10. Capstone Project in Digital Health Systems

    • Comprehensive project applying skills in EHR management, telemedicine implementation, or healthcare data analytics.

Assessment Methods:

• Practical exams on EHR management and health information systems.
• Case studies on telemedicine and remote patient monitoring.
• Projects on healthcare data analytics and privacy.
• Internship evaluations and reports.
• Capstone projects on digital health system implementation or optimization.

Recommended Resources:

• "Health Informatics: Practical Guide for Healthcare and IT Professionals" by Robert E. Hoyt.
• "Electronic Health Records: A Practical Guide for Professionals and Organizations" by Margaret K. Hovell.
• "Telemedicine and e-Health: Legal and Regulatory Challenges" by Nathalia Bertolotti.
• Guidelines from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of IT, healthcare, or data management.
• Interest in health informatics, digital health technologies, and healthcare innovation.

Duration:

• Typically 2 years for an associate degree.
• 4 years for a bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics or Digital Health Systems Technology.

Certifications:

Graduates can pursue certifications such as:

• Certified Associate in Healthcare Information & Management Systems (CAHIMS).
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Information & Management Systems (CPHIMS).
• Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS).

Career Paths:

1. Health IT Specialist

   • Implement and manage digital health systems in hospitals or clinics.

2. EHR Manager

   • Oversee electronic health record systems and ensure data accuracy.

3. Telemedicine Coordinator

   • Manage telehealth programs and coordinate virtual care services.

4. Health Data Analyst

   • Analyze healthcare data to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

5. Health IT Consultant

   • Advise healthcare organizations on digital health system implementation.

6. mHealth Developer

   • Develop mobile health applications and wearable technology solutions.

7. Clinical Informatics Specialist

   • Bridge the gap between clinical care and IT systems in healthcare settings.

8. Health Information Exchange (HIE) Specialist

   • Facilitate the secure exchange of health information between different healthcare providers.

Why This Major?

• High Demand: The global digital health market is rapidly expanding, creating a need for skilled professionals.
• Impactful Work: Improve patient care and healthcare efficiency through innovative digital solutions.
• Tech-Driven Career: Combine healthcare knowledge with cutting-edge technology.
• Diverse Opportunities: Careers in hospitals, health IT companies, government agencies, and consulting firms.