INFO 505 Health Informatics

Health informatics, an evolving field, utilizes information technology to collect, store, process, and communicate data and knowledge related to the delivery and support of healthcare. A diverse discipline, health informatics incorporates processes, procedures, theories, and concepts from computer and information sciences, health sciences, and the social sciences. The ultimate goal of health informatics is to provide efficient and effective access, retrieval, and support in managing healthcare information while improving the overall health status of all.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 600 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads, making substantial contributions and expounding on each thread by identifying at least 1 strength and 1 weakness in each classmate’s reasoning. Each reply must be at least 450 words. Each thread and reply must include at least 1 biblical integration and 2 peer-reviewed source citations in current APA format in addition to the textbook. Each thread and reply must use proper spelling, grammar, and APA format. Major points in each thread and reply must be supported by Learn materials; pertinent, conceptual, or personal examples; and thoughtful analysis (considering assumptions, analyzing implications, and comparing/contrasting concepts).

Read & Interact Textbook Assignments (11)

Within this course, the student will be required to read and interact with the textbook within the third-party platform SmartBook. The student must complete each reading and item in the textbook in order to earn the points associated with the assigned reading.

Each student will complete exercises within the third-party platform Connect Plus. Each exercise will consist of Demo, Practice, and Apply components. The Apply component will be graded, and the grade will transfer to Canvas.

Writing Assignments (4)

The student will complete 4 individual Writing Assignments throughout the course. Each assignment focuses on analyzing key topics in healthcare informatics while integrating a Christian worldview perspective. Each Writing Assignment must be 1–2 pages (600–1,000 words, excluding the required title and reference pages) with appropriate font size and spacing and follow current APA format with appropriate in-text citations from scholarly sources, including from any sources required by the instructions. All sources must be high-quality, current, and relevant. Each assignment must be written with exceptional clarity, organization, and coherence, with no grammar or spelling errors and a professional tone throughout.

Research Project Assignments (4)

The student will complete a master’s level academic research paper that develops throughout the course via several sequential deliverables. The research will focus on 1 of 4 major theoretical approaches related to a current topic (practices, policies, and/or regulations) in healthcare informatics. The student will select a topic for the research paper in Quiz: Topic Selection.

Research Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The annotated bibliography requires each student to research 10 credible, scholarly articles from peer-reviewed journals published within the last 10 years to establish research for the final document through the Jerry Falwell Library. The student will use the provided template structure, layout, and formatting to annotate each source in at least 100 words per source with sentences demonstrating high-level critical thinking skills in summaries, opinions, and applications. The document must include a clear, well-focused topic that includes a brief statement on the author and his/her credentials, a crisp statement on the article’s relevance, and a salient or meaningful quote the student would like to include in an essay. All supportive facts must be reported accurately, with proper use of quotation marks for each quote. Current APA formatting and correct spelling and grammar must be present. The student is required to read all instructor feedback and implement it on future Research Project Assignments.

Research Project: Outline Assignment

The student will complete a full-sentence outline (1–2 sentences for each level) in preparation for the Research Project: Final Document Assignment. The student should review the Research Project Final Document Assignment Instructions to become familiar with the full scope and requirements of the research project and ensure the outline incorporates all elements and requirements specified in those instructions. The outline cannot be completed until the student’s topic receives approval from the instructor. The outline will include a clear, logical thesis statement that sets up the purpose of the paper and demonstrates the significance of the topic; the research question(s)/issue(s) being answered/addressed, which are clearly stated, capture the full scope of the research effort, and include relevant background material; how much space will be allotted to each section of the paper; and a preliminary reference list of at least 10 sources published within the last 10 years (using references from the Research Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment). The organization of the outline should support the thesis, and the outline should summarize key ideas in the student’s own words (not text copied from sources). Sources should directly support the outline topics. The outline should be simple and readable to show each section of the paper and the topic to be covered without copying and pasting everything that will be included in the final paper. The outline must be accompanied by an APA reference list on a separate page. Quotes within the outline must also utilize in-text citations, and all citations must be in current APA format. The outline must follow proper alphanumeric format, consistent indentation and structure, and correct spelling and grammar. The student is required to read all instructor feedback and implement it on future Research Project Assignments.

Research Project: Draft Assignment

The student will construct a 10–12-page draft document (excluding the title and reference pages) building on the previous Research Project Assignments. The draft document will follow the current APA format, complying with the formatting (spacing, fonts, alignment, margins, page numbers, quotations) and content instructions. The content will include a title page, a 150–250-word abstract, an introduction, the main content discussion, a conclusion, and a reference page with a minimum of 10 scholarly articles from peer-reviewed journals published within the last 10 years (using references from the Research Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment). Concepts from the textbook related to the topic must be integrated, along with page numbers associated with the concept. The reader should be guided smoothly through a logically arranged paper, with APA level headings throughout (using sections from the Research Project: Outline Assignment). Paragraphs should flow logically with clear transitions, and no spelling or grammar errors should be present. A professional academic tone should be maintained throughout. The student is required to read all instructor feedback and implement it in the Research Project: Final Document Assignment.

Research Project: Final Document Assignment

The student will construct a 10–12-page final document. (excluding the title and reference pages) building on the previous Research Project Assignments. The final document will follow the current APA format, complying with the formatting (spacing, fonts, alignment, margins, page numbers, quotations) and content instructions. The content will include a title page, a 150–250-word abstract, an introduction, the main content discussion, a conclusion, and a reference page with a minimum of 10 scholarly articles from peer-reviewed journals published within the last 10 years (using references from the Research Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment). Concepts from the textbook related to the topic must be integrated, along with page numbers associated with the concept. The reader should be guided smoothly through a logically arranged paper, with APA level headings throughout (using sections from the Research Project: Outline Assignment). Paragraphs should flow logically with clear transitions, and no spelling or grammar errors should be present. A professional academic tone should be maintained throughout. The student is required to implement the instructor’s feedback from the Research Project: Draft Assignment.

Quiz: Topic Selection

The student will submit his or her chosen theoretical approach and related healthcare informatics topic for the Research Project Assignments through a timed quiz format. The student will have 30 minutes to complete this selection, and the quiz is limited to 1 attempt. This quiz will be open-book/open-notes and will contain 1 short answer question.

Quizzes (8)

The student will complete quizzes within the third party platform, Connect Plus. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and the grade will transfer to Canvas.