The degree course in health information management has been designed to prepare specialists in the management of health information systems. The health information manager is required to analyse the information needs of a variety of users and design, plan and implement systems to meet these needs. The increasing complexity of communication between health professionals demands an efficient and effective information system to support clinical decision making and patient management. Increasing health costs make it essential for health planners to have the necessary information to organise a health care delivery system which optimises patient care and the use of resources.

The clinical record provides the patient database on which the health information system is built. The clinical record contains data relating to the patient's clinical problems as well as demographic and sociological data. The record can provide information for health care evaluation, research, statistics, funding and education. Patients benefit directly when their record is used for future patient care or to protect their legal interests.

Handbook

For specific information related to the Health Information Management Honours Program, students are advised to contact the School of Health Information Management.

Students in the Honours Program complete all units in the Pass Course except:

• BACH1147 Qualitative Health and Social Research
• BACH2127 Health Policy and Service Delivery
• Contemporary Issues in Health Information Management B
• Professional Practice C
• Professional Elective

In place of these units, honours students undertake Research Project I and Research Project II.

In addition, honours students are given more options in selecting a research elective in Year 3:

• BACH 1147 Qualitative Health and Social Research, or
• BACH4046 Survey Research Methods, or
• Introductory Epidemiology

Professional experience

Professional experience provides students with a variety of learning experiences which relate both to the theoretical content of the classroom and to their future professional career goals. A range of field-based activities are organised in selected learning sites which include hospitals, community care centres, research units and the Department of Health (NSW, Australia).

For course structure and unit descriptions, please refer to the Faculty handbook.

Applying

You may apply for admission to the University through UAC (Universities Admission Centre), if you have a UAI. Their website has all the details http://www.uac.edu.au

The UAC guide is available from newsagents around August. You need to be aware of the deadlines and make sure your application is sent to them on time.

Alternatively, you may be eligible under the Faculty's Vocational Entry Scheme or the Special Consideration Admission Scheme. More information about these schemes is available from this website: http://www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/undergrad/apply/scm/specialentry.shtml

FAQ / More details

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Special Courses in Health Information Management (for international students)

• Download PDF information booklet

Application forms

To apply for the Special Courses in Health Information Management, please complete a Non-award application form which can be downloaded from the following site
http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/study/forms/nonawardug.pdf