Course modules to match Core Competencies

Digital Health Canada has defined a set of Health Informatics Professional Core Competencies as a guide for health informatics and digital health professionals. These recommended competencies are divided into seven core areas which form the basis for the Core Health Informatics (Core HI) courses outlined here. Take any one of these courses individually, or register for the Comprehensive Course to cover all modules in one package.

A1 Information Management

The Information Management module equips learners with the essential competencies to manage health information as a strategic resource. Learners will understand and apply the key attributes of data quality, integrity, and appropriateness within the context of healthcare systems.

The module covers the identification and addressing of data sources and gaps in relation to business needs and emphasizes the understanding of data interrelationships and dependencies among various health information systems. Ethical, legislative, and regulatory requirements related to health information management are explored, along with accepted policies, principles, and guidelines for managing health information.

The module also provides an understanding of relevant health information standards, system integration, clinical workflow, and the principles of good information governance. Additionally, learners will learn about privacy, security, and confidentiality concepts, existing privacy frameworks, and the roles within the Information Management domain. This comprehensive module prepares learners for effective and ethical information management in the healthcare sector.

Read more about this module in the Information Management section of the Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

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A2 Technology Ecosystem

This module covers the essential concepts and components of information technology, including networks, storage devices, operating systems, and applications. Students will learn to engage stakeholders throughout the system life cycle, addressing information, business, and technical requirements.

The module emphasizes the selection and utilization of appropriate technologies to meet business needs and the application of health informatics standards to ensure system interoperability. Students will gain knowledge of health data and workflow models, applying best practices for quality management, testing, and incident management. The module also addresses the security of data, systems, devices, and networks, including emerging technologies and their impact on healthcare.

Students will be encouraged to promote the safe and appropriate use of health information technologies to ensure patient safety.

Read more about this module in Technology Ecosystem section the Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

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B3 Clinical and Health Services

The Clinical and Health Services module provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and utilize health information within clinical settings. Learners will apply knowledge of basic clinical and biomedical concepts, clinical care processes, technologies, and workflow to the analysis, design, development, and implementation of health information systems and applications.

The module covers basic clinical terminology, commonly used abbreviations, and acronyms, and recognizes commonly used formats, structures, and methods for recording and communicating clinical data. Learners will foster the adoption and use of health information systems in clinical settings, facilitate appropriate consumer use of health information and communication technologies, and assess and mitigate clinical safety risks associated with health information and systems throughout the system life cycle.

The module also emphasizes the facilitation of clinicians’ use of electronic decision support tools in accessing evidence to support practice, ensuring that learners are well-prepared to integrate health information systems effectively within clinical environments.

Read more about this module in the Clinical and Health Services section of the Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

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B4 The Canadian Healthcare System

The Canadian Healthcare System module provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the structure, functions, and dynamics of healthcare in Canada. Learners will explore the key characteristics of the Canadian healthcare system, including governance, funding, structures, and related organizations.

The module covers the determinants of health, such as environment, genetics, and socioeconomic factors, and examines key factors affecting healthcare, including demographics, new technologies, and incentives. Learners will gain knowledge of various health informatics associations across Canada and understand the cultural and community context of care access and delivery. The module emphasizes the realization and measurement of health informatics benefits within the Canadian healthcare system and explores different types of healthcare delivery models across the continuum of care.

Learners will understand the flow of people, resources, and information through the health system, key drivers of healthcare, and the roles and relationships of health professionals within organizational and regulatory structures.

The module also addresses the challenges related to the adoption and realization of clinical value of information systems in the health sector, emerging needs and approaches to privacy of personal health information, and the promotion of safe and appropriate use of health information technologies to ensure patient safety.

Read more about this module in the Canadian Healthcare System section of the Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

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C5 Healthcare Transformation

The Healthcare Transformation module equips learners with the knowledge and skills to drive change and innovation within healthcare organizations. This module covers the fundamental theories, concepts, and practices of management, including organizational behaviour and culture, human resources, financial and budget management, governance, accountability, risk analysis, procurement, vendor relationships, and customer relationships.

Learners will contribute to organizational plans and strategies to ensure that information and systems align with business goals and strategies. The module promotes an information culture by facilitating the appropriate use of information and knowledge and supports individual, team, and organizational learning and development through the use of appropriate technologies and communication channels. Learners will use audience-appropriate communication to present information and convey concepts to stakeholders effectively.

The module also emphasizes the application of best practices in quality improvement and process engineering to facilitate business and clinical transformation and contributes to the ongoing evaluation of system functionality to support best practices in clinical care. Additionally, learners will apply change management best practices in the implementation of new processes or systems, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead healthcare transformation initiatives.

Read more about this module in the Healthcare Transformation section of the Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

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C6 Project Management

The Project Management module provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and best practices within the context of health information systems. Learners will apply project management principles throughout the project lifecycle, including the development of project charters, scope management, budgeting, and resource allocation.

The module emphasizes fostering collaboration among stakeholders and addressing the unique challenges inherent in health information systems projects. Learners will develop the ability to anticipate issues and opportunities, mitigate risks associated with projects, and ensure successful project outcomes.

This module prepares learners to effectively manage projects in the healthcare sector, ensuring that health information systems are implemented and maintained to support organizational goals and improve patient care.

Read more about this module in the Project Management section of the Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

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C7 Analysis and Evaluation

The Analysis and Evaluation module equips learners with the skills to analyze and interpret healthcare data effectively. Learners will collaborate with stakeholders to identify and frame information queries, ensuring that their needs for data analysis and interpretation are met.

The module covers the identification of relevant data sources, assessing the quality of information, and drawing appropriate conclusions. Learners will gain an understanding of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques, basic statistical methods, and evaluation measures. The module emphasizes organizing and transforming data into reliable and meaningful information for diverse audiences and presenting this information in an effective manner.

Additionally, learners will develop knowledge of indicators and metrics for healthcare delivery and population health. This module prepares learners to conduct thorough analyses and evaluations, supporting data-driven decision-making in the healthcare sector.

Read more about this module in the Analysis and Evaluation section of Digital Health Canada Core HI Syllabus.

SYLLABUS EXTRACT (PDF Download)

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Additional Courses – Summer Sale on Now!

Virtual Care Certificate

Learn more about the Summer Sale!

This course is ideal for anyone interested in understanding virtual care, including clinicians and other providers; technology and data management professionals; new Canadians seeking a better understanding of Canadian healthcare; health delivery organization and government employees; patients and patient partners. Take this micro-course to learn about:

  • Scope and definition of virtual care
  • Pros and cons of different care delivery methods
  • Considerations when planning or scaling virtual care delivery
  • Patient and provider perspectives
  • Privacy concerns
  • Virtual care applications and variations across jurisdictions
  • Real world examples of virtual care in different healthcare settings

The Virtual Care Certificate distills a large amount of valuable learning into a condensed format that makes it easy for the busy professional to gain high-level knowledge of a relevant industry hot topic in about three hours.

  • Learn at your own pace in the Digital Health Canada Learning Management System
  • Log in and listen to podcasts at your desk or on the go (log in to the LMS on your phone
  • Automated assessments
  • Lighter lift than a credential, which can require hours of study
  • Add proof of completion to your professional profile or resume
  • No maintenance or renewals required

Earn 3 CEUs towards your CPHIMS-CA renewal and maintenance.

Register below to access this certificate in the Digital Health Canada LMS.

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Enterprise Innovation Certificate

Learn more about the Summer Sale!

Health delivery organizations face challenges as they drive forward with digital transformation of the traditional enterprise model and integration of entrepreneurial care delivery models and clinical innovations. This course will:

  • Define what innovation encompasses
  • Present the current Canadian landscape for enterprise innovation
  • Identify the factors that promote successful innovation 
  • Identify the barriers that impede enterprise innovation. 
  • Provide research that supports new concepts within the field of enterprise innovation in healthcare
  • Elaborate on a framework for the factors that promote successful enterprise innovation within an organization

The Enterprise Innovation Certificate distills a large amount of valuable learning into a condensed format that makes it easy for the busy professional to gain high-level knowledge of a relevant industry hot topic in about three hours.

  • Learn at your own pace in the Digital Health Canada Learning Management System
  • Log in and listen to podcasts at your desk or on the go (log in to the LMS on your phone
  • Automated assessments
  • Lighter lift than a credential, which can require hours of study
  • Add proof of completion to your professional profile or resume
  • No maintenance or renewals required

Earn 3 CEUs towards your CPHIMS-CA renewal and maintenance.

Register below to access this certificate in the Digital Health Canada LMS.

REGISTER (Exit to registration site)