This course offers an introduction to current research and evaluation trends in eHealth which allow for evaluation of the efficacy and effectiveness of technology in health systems and the benefits to patients and health professionals. It ran through the Masters of Public Health from January 2011 for the first time.
Rationale
eHealth is the application of information and communication technologies in healthcare and is becoming increasingly important to improving health services globally. Thus, the need for research into eHealth, such as the usability and outcomes of eHealth interventions, is also increasing. Understanding the context, principles and methods of eHealth evaluation helps to determine the value of existing eHealth projects, and increases the quality and efficiency of future eHealth initiatives. Despite its importance, many researchers agree that research into e-health interventions and services is underdeveloped and undermanaged in both theory and practice. This course outlines the context, current issues in and role of eHealth research, and details suitable research methodologies for an eHealth context.
General Course Description
This course reviews concepts, strategies and techniques of current research approaches in eHealth. This includes assessing the effectiveness of e-health programs, evaluation design, data collection and analysis and knowledge translation approaches. Skills in developing a research plan, formulating research questions, and using appropriate methods to address research questions will be emphasized. Students will apply these skills in critically appraising the literature as well as constructing a research plan.
Topical Outline
- Introduction to the Course
- eHealth research – origins, overview, eHealth landscape
- eHealth terminology
- Role of eHealth research in public health, health policy and practice
- The Research Process
- Critical Appraisal of eHealth Research
- Research Problem Recognition and Definition
- Readiness Needs Assessment
- Design of research: methods, methodology and tools, qualitative and quantitative approaches, process, impact and outcome evaluation
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Reporting, Publication, Dissemination and Knowledge Translation
- Future Directions & Conclusion
Expert Speakers
- Dr Kim Voll, PhD, Lecturer in Computer Science and Health Informatics, UBC
- Dr Kendall Ho, MD FRCPC, Associate Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine and Director, eHealth Strategy Office, UBC Faculty of Medicine
- Dr Leanne Currie, DNSc, RN, Associate Professor, Nursing, UBC
- Dr Sandra Jarvis-Selinger, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery and Associate Director, eHealth Strategy Office, UBC
- Dr Helen Novak Lauscher, Ph.D. Assistant Director – Research, eHealth Strategy Office, UBC
More information
The course outline can be found at http://www.spph.ubc.ca/sites/healthcare/files/courses/spph581g.pdf.
How can professionals apply to take this course?
Non-UBC students can take the course by first enrolling in “unclassified studies.” If you’ve previously studied at UBC, you may send an email to non.degree@ubc.ca with your name, UBC student number, date of birth and dates you previously attended UBC along with a note to say you want to take a course at the Vancouver campus.
