Healthcare Information Systems

Electronic health records systems (electronic medical records (EMRs), electronic health records (EHRs), personal health records (PHRs), and health information exchanges (HIEs)) are all the buzz these days, yet for the past 30 years the healthcare sector has clung to paper records, file folders, and clipboards. This course will explore the technical and controversial aspects of healthcare information technology in general, and the specific factors involving evaluation and adoption of EMR systems. The course also covers the fundamental components of modern electronic records systems and reviews their impact on both business and clinical functions. Key areas of interoperability, interfaces, and standards will be introduced. The course will be practical and thought-provoking as it emphasizes critical thinking and the synthesis of ideas from multiple sources and perspectives. Participants will be challenged to develop their own viewpoints and opinions, substantiated by the published work of those who are thought leaders in the field of HIT, as well as the participants’ own experiences.