(5 credits)
What determines patients' plan of care and what role does technology play in their diagnosis and treatment? Through this course, students have the opportunity to answer questions such as these as well as to gain a broad understanding of healthcare as a complex business system. Students examine the main elements of the healthcare industry in the United States and elsewhere, analyzing the interests and information needs of healthcare professionals, provider organizations, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, regulators, insurers, individuals, and others. They examine classic literature and current articles in the field to gain an appreciation of the trends toward and obstacles to information exchange. Though this course, students also have the opportunity to survey the various professional careers available in healthcare and consider their goals and interests in relation to these opportunities.