4 credits

Information technology (IT) in public health practice has many functions, one of which is the dissemination of important information about disease and disease prevention, which organizations use in the management of critical issues in public health. Students in this course examine the various applications of IT in public health practice to access, interpret, and evaluate data that supports decision making and effective communication. They examine legal and ethical principles in the dissemination of information in public health settings as well as the use of informatics methods and resources as strategic tools to promote public health. Students also explore the collaborative approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of informatics programs. Through the analysis of various case studies, students sharpen their critical-thinking and decision-making skills while gaining an understanding of the various phases of informatics project development, information architecture, and immunization registry. They also engage in practical exercises on information systems evaluation, IT personnel management, and procurement and requests for proposals (RFPs).