Population Health Informatics

3 Credits.

Introduces students to concepts, methods, and issues related to the application of health information technology (HIT) to population health. Emphasizes the population health potential of comprehensive electronic health records (EHRs), personal health records (PHRs), mobile health and telemedicine devices; and consumer focused internet-based based tools. Covers the uses of HIT to define and identify populations and sub-populations of interest, describe the health status and needs of populations, improve the health of populations, and evaluate services provided to populations. Emphasizes the use of HIT within both local, regional and federal public health agencies and population-based private health care organizations such as integrated delivery systems and health insurance plans. Lessons are mainly US oriented but are also applicable to other high and middle income countries.