eHealth Strategy and Data

This module is designed to enable students to develop a critical understanding of the concepts, strategies, and data standards, which will drive the eHealth initiative in Ireland. Initially, the module explores data science concepts; from raw data capture through to an end knowledge product facilitating decision making. The module then goes on to investigate data management and governance standards, and the legal and ethical issues around private and shared patient data. Coding systems for disease classification, diagnosis and interventions are examined (ICD-10, NIC, NOC, SNOMED-CT). Government policy initiatives are explored: the Individual Health Identifier, and the Electronic Health Record. Finally, significant strategic eHealth initiatives, for example eReferrals and ePharmacy are examined from a data management perspective. A comparison is made with similar eHealth initiatives across the EU and in the global context. As this programme progresses, there is the caveat that that there may be modifications due to developments in legal aspects, policy or specific health environmental factors.

The module may be delivered in traditional face - to - face lecturing format, or in an online/blended format.

1. Distinguish between data, information, knowledge and intelligence in a healthcare environment.

2. Identify Primary and Secondary data sources in Healthcare and how they can be utilised and presented.

3. Relate data collection activities to data definitions and coding standards for disease classifications, diagnosis and interventions.

4. Assess Governance, Security and Ethics considerations around eHealth data.

5. Identify Global, EU, and National eHealth strategies and assess their implications.

6. Assess the implications for initiatives such as the IHI, EPR, EHR, eReferrals, and ePharmacy or other ongoing or proposed eHealth initiatives in a healtcare setting.