Health information systems

The course encompasses a theoretical part and a hands-on part. The theoretical part leverages book chapters, scientific articles, and online resources (including guest lectures of health industry experts) to teach the historical background of information systems in healthcare, help distinguishing redressed old concepts from fundamentally new innovations, etc. While some guest lectures are recorded, others are delivered live exclusively, to stimulate interaction between experts and students. The hands-on part aims to teach practical skills on a select number of techniques. Instead of trying to cover all aspects of the theoretical part lightly, it dives deeply into data modeling and system interoperability.

The course provides an introduction to major information technology and information management functions within our modern health system. Health data, information and knowledge is reviewed, and functionality of various systems that use this information is discussed (e.g. electronic patient records, computerized provider order entry, etc.) Process-aware information systems in the healthcare are also discussed, as well as advanced business intelligence, clinical decision support and management information systems for the healthcare. In addition to the technology, methods for acquisition, implementation and management of healthcare information systems are considered in the remainder of the course. Mastery of theoretical concepts is evaluated by means of an ANS Delft based exam, that is deliberately organized under time pressure: it aims to evaluate how fluent students are in positioning key concepts in the right context. The test is open book and allows even the use of AI helper tools, to mimic the professional context where one can also consult help materials, but at the same time, time pressure is imposed to avoid creating an artificial setup where learning would still take place during the test. To ensure that student knowledge is evaluated individually, communication will also be forbidden during the test.

To reassure that group members contribute equally to the assignments, we collect peer reviews (e.g., Feedbackfruits’ Group Member Evaluations), which may be reflected in the final grade. The second group assignment conceptually serves as the final exam. Therefore, this assignment is more elaborate than the first assignment and includes pitching your work to an evaluation committee (i.e., together with your group members).

After following this course, the student is able to

• state the information technology functionality that is needed in healthcare;
• distinguish between different forms of health data and information;
• reflect on the information needs and requirements of healthcare institutions;
• provide an overview of the health information technology landscape in the Netherlands and in Europe;
• design data models for capturing health data unambiguously;
• verify the correctness of data models by means of system prototyping;
• master health data interoperability techniques, such as working with APIs and data standards

You must meet the following requirements

• Registered for a degree programme other than
• HBO-TOP Applied Physics, Pre-Master

• Articles
• Guest lectures (some live, others recorded)
• Selected chapters from E.H. Shortliffe, J.J. Cimino (eds.), Biomedical Informatics: computer applications in healthcare and biomedicine, 4th ed., Springer, Berlin, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1-4471-4473-1 (Print); 978-1-4471-4474-8 (Online): (Mandatory) Note: This title is available through the TU/e library as an e-book.
• Course handouts