Draft Health Informatics Curriculum

Basic computing

Hardware

Microcomputers (e.g. PC’s), their operating systems (e.g. DOS) and user interface (e.g. Microsoft windows); related equipment used for managing data (e.g. printer, scanner, file server etc.).

Connect up computer hardware, identify individual items and explain their purpose.

Switch the computer on and load software via the operating system or user interface.

File management

Management and structure of computer files.

Organisation of electronic information.

Basic applications

Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, email, internet browsing (esp. health-related databases e.g. MEDLINE).

Use of basic applications to accomplish simple tasks.

Time management

Time management software

Use of software for organisation of staff time.

Telemedicine

Awareness of different fields of telemedicine and their advantages and disadvantages.

Local systems

Clinical systems (supporting clinicians’ planning, delivery and recording of healthcare; e.g. GP systems, HIS’s, ePR’s, radiology).

Explain the purpose of a particular computer system.

Non-clinical systems (finance, supplies etc.).

Management systems.

National systems

National systems (e.g. routine data collection for HES, national databases, national audit projects, NHSnet, NHS number programme).

Data quality

Capture and Validation

Importance of consistency of data collection within and across different fields of healthcare.

Benefits and disadvantages of structured data collection.

Rights of different people to access or modify records.

Differentiate the role of data and information (in the care of patients, patient groups and management of health services).

Recognise the difference and connection between data entry and data retrieval (input/output).

Application of the following principles to record keeping and own practice:

1. Accuracy.
2. Accessibility.
3. Completeness.
4. Integrity.
5. Relevance.
6. Timeliness.

Coding

Awareness of different coding systems (e.g. Clinical Terms/Read Codes, ICD, OPCS, SNOMED, finance and produce codes).

Differentiate between coding for direct patient care (e.g. using Clinical Terms v3) and classification codes for statistical purposes (e.g. ICD-10, HRG’s).

Benefits of using a standard terminology within computerised clinical records.

Use terms appropriately in the preparation of records to convey content and context.

Analysis

Awareness of processing of data (statistics) to reach a conclusion (e.g. epidemiological data, clinical trials).

Identify and assess quality of the data source of a publication

Audit

Importance of data quality in audit.

Perform data quality/records audit.

Data aggregation

Reasons for aggregating clinical data, and dangers of doing so.

Factors affecting analysis and interpretation of aggregate data.

Standards

Role and importance of standards in information management.

Assess the impact upon healthcare from a failure in accuracy and completeness of recorded information

Information/knowledge management

Guidelines and protocols

Development, construction, endorsement and evaluation of clinical guidelines in NHS including:

1. Identifying information needs.
2. Obtaining information
3. Evaluating information
4. Interpretation of information
5. Endorsement (e.g. steering groups)
6. Decision making
7. Communicating results

Ability to develop and implement local guidelines.

Search for information using resources available (including intranet, internet, clinical databases, library services etc.) to answer a specific query.

Benefits and disadvantages of care pathways and care profiles

Ability to critically evaluate local guidelines.

Clinical Informatics

Role of information technology

Advantages and disadvantages of using a computer in different clinical settings.

Ability to use computer effectively in different clinical settings

Clinical record keeping

History of medical records.

Types, structure and function of records used in clinical practice.

Produce quality and validated notes.

Clinical communications

Implications arising from failing to accurately inform colleagues (across professional and care boundaries) and patients.

Comprehensively transfer information at handover points including transfer of core, multi-disciplinary meetings, referrals and discharge.

Clinical audit

The audit cycle and its relationship with information management.

Overcome practical impediments to audit in the working environment.

Sources of advice for clinical audit.

Design and ability to perform an audit making best use of available IT.

Benefits of audit to patients and practitioners including clinical governance.

Evidence-based practice

Advantages and limitations of evidence-based practice.

Critical appraisal.

Patient information

Sources of information available to public.

Rights of patients and relatives to access information.

Production of patient information package to support informed consent.

Security and Confidentiality

Legislation

Main features, responsibilities and liabilities laid down in the Data Protection Act 1984, the Access to Health Records Act 1990, the Computer Misuse Act 1992 and the European Directive on Data Protection.

Obtain informed consent when appropriate to the exchange of clinical information.

Caldicott

Main recommendations of Caldicott Committee and responsibilities of Caldicott Guardian.

Professional practice

Conformance legislation, regulatory guidance and NHS protocols regarding the security and confidentiality of patient-identifiable information by NHS staff.

The various sources of the obligation of confidentiality including professional registration (GMC), laws of contract, common law and statutory duty.

Sources of guidance (e.g. professional, statutory and defence bodies).

Local policies

Local rules and procedures