Health Informatics Course Syllabus
Dilla University
College: Health and Medical Sciences
Department: Midwifery
Course Information
Course Title Health Informatics
Course Code MWFH 3213
Credit Hours/ECTS Cr.Hrs = 2 LH = 1 TH = 1 PH = 0 IS = 2
ECTS = 3
Semester II
Year 3rd Year
Pre-requisites Basic Computer Skills
Target Group Midwifery Students
Status of the Course: Supportive
Course Instructor’s Information
Full Name
Office
Phone
E-mail
Course Description
This course introduces midwifery students to the fundamental principles and applications of
health informatics in clinical and public health settings. Topics include health information
systems, electronic medical records, decision support systems, data standards, ethical
considerations, and the use of technology in maternal and newborn care. The course emphasizes
how informatics can enhance evidence-based practice and improve the quality of midwifery care.
Course Description
This course introduces the basic principles, tools, and applications of health informatics in
midwifery practice. It aims to enable students to effectively record, manage, analyze, and utilize
health information to support maternal and newborn care. The course includes theoretical
components such as systems theory, electronic health records, data quality, and information
retrieval, as well as practical components emphasizing data use and computer skills.
Course Competencies
Apply basic concepts and principles of health informatics in daily midwifery activities.
Record, document, and report health-related data accurately.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the basics of computer networks and the internet.
Explain the theoretical concepts underlying informatics practice.
Identify how health data is processed into information and knowledge for healthcare tasks.
Understand and practice the concept of health information systems and their characteristics.
Describe different types of health information systems (routine and clinical) specific to their
disciplines.
Explain how the use of an EHR system can affect patient care safety, efficiency of care
practices, and patient outcomes.
Analyze how the integration of data from various sources assists in making clinical
decisions.
Discuss how telehealth communication technologies support clinical care.
Understand and practice the concept of information retrieval techniques.
Weekly Course Content
Week Topics and Subtopics Mode of
Delivery
1 Introduction to Computers: History, types, basic components, Lecture,
functions Tutorial
2 Computer Networks and Internet: Types of networks, internet Lecture,
tools, and their use in healthcare Tutorial
3 Introduction to Health Informatics: Scope and application in Lecture,
midwifery Tutorial
4 Health Information System (HIS): Definition, components, Lecture,
types Tutorial
5 Routine Health Information System (RHIS): Information cycle Lecture,
and tools Tutorial
6 Clinical Information Systems (CIS): EMR, EHR, PHR, Lecture,
decision support Tutorial
7 Evidence-Based Practice and Information Retrieval: Tools, Lecture,
databases, quality sources Tutorial
8 Ethics in Health Informatics: Data privacy, confidentiality, and Lecture,
HIPAA Tutorial
9 Review and Group Presentations Lecture,
Tutorial
Practical Activities Plan
Week Activity Mode of Student Task
Delivery
3 Computer operation and basic Hands-on Practice typing and saving
word processing documents
5 RHIS data entry and form Hands-on Fill and analyze RHIS
analysis forms
7 Searching PubMed and HINARI Practical Search for guidelines and
session evidence
8 Case analysis on privacy breach Group Work Ethical decision making in
informatics
Assessment and Evaluation Methods
Component Weight (%) Remarks
Attendance and Participation 10% Engagement in class and practicals
Assignments and Practical Tasks 20% Exercises and practice reflections
Midterm Exam 20% Covers theory and application
Group Presentation 10% Presentation on informatics topics
Final Exam 40% Comprehensive evaluation
References and Resources
WHO. (2012). Health Information Systems: Toolkit for Strengthening HIS.
Yasnoff, W. A., et al. (2014). Public Health Informatics and Information Systems. Springer.
Haux, R. (2010). Health Informatics: Fundamentals, Systems, and Applications.
FMOH Ethiopia. (2020). RHIS Training Manual.
PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, HINARI.
