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Hadi H. K. Kharrazi, MD, Ph.D and Sam Meiselman

Health data are notable for how many types there are, how complex they are, and how serious it is to get them straight. These data are used for treatment of the patient from whom they derive, but also for other uses. Examples of such secondary use of health data include population health (e.g., who requires more attention), research (e.g., which drug is more effective in practice), quality (e.g., is the institution meeting benchmarks), and translational research (e.g., are new technologies being applied appropriately). By the end of this course, students will recognize the different types of health and healthcare data, will articulate a coherent and complete question, will interpret queries designed for secondary use of EHR data, and will interpret the results of those queries.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Databases and Data Types
In this module, we will begin by introducing and defining databases, and placing the role of databases within the context of clinical informatics. We will continue by introducing the common health data types such as demographics, diagnosis, medications, procedures, and utilization data. We will finish this module by reviewing the emerging health data such as lab orders/results, vital signs, social data, and patient-generated data.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for those with experience in healthcare
In-depth understanding of health data
Taught by experts in the healthcare field
Examines real-world applications of data science
Introduces emerging health data
Teaches how to formulate data questions

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Reviews summary

Health informatics data science fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation and excellent overview of the unique landscape of health and healthcare data. Students particularly appreciate the coverage of different data types and the challenges involved in working with sources like EHR and claims data. The section on formulating data questions is highlighted as very relevant, especially for those new to the field. The interviews with professionals are seen as a significant strength, offering valuable real-world perspectives. While the course is praised for its theoretical grounding and breadth, some feedback suggests a need for more practical, hands-on exercises to solidify the concepts.
Interviews with professionals add practical value.
"The interviews with Sam Meiselman and other professionals were incredibly insightful."
"Hearing from people actually working with health data daily provided valuable context."
"The real-world applications and perspectives shared in the interviews were a highlight for me."
"These insights help bridge the gap between theory and practical application."
"I appreciated hearing about the challenges and the art of translating questions into queries from experienced professionals."
Highly relevant for careers in health informatics.
"This course is highly relevant for anyone working or planning to work with health data."
"It provided the necessary foundational knowledge for my role in health informatics."
"The topics covered are directly applicable to real-world challenges in the field."
"Excellent course for professionals looking to understand the data side of healthcare."
Provides a solid introduction to health data.
"The course gives an excellent overview of health data, covering different types and sources effectively."
"I found the modules on demographics, diagnosis, and medication data particularly helpful."
"It lays a strong foundation for understanding the complexity and variety of health data."
"This course really opened my eyes to the nuances of working with EHR and claims data."
"Learning about emerging data types like patient-generated data was very interesting and relevant."
Translating questions to queries remains challenging.
"While the course discusses formulating questions, I still found it challenging to translate them into database queries."
"The online tools mentioned were helpful as an introduction but didn't provide enough practice for complex scenarios."
"Could benefit from more exercises focused on the practical steps of writing queries based on clinical questions."
"More hands-on experience translating real-world questions into structured queries would be beneficial."
More hands-on practice would enhance learning.
"The course is quite theoretical; it would be much better with more hands-on coding or data manipulation exercises."
"I wish there were labs or practical assignments using actual health data examples (even synthetic ones)."
"More practical application would help solidify the understanding of the data challenges discussed."
"Could use more demos or walkthroughs of analyzing health data."
"Some concepts felt abstract without practical activities to accompany them."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Data Science of Health Informatics with these activities:
Review Statistics Refresher
Strengthens foundational knowledge for data interpretation.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review the 'Statistics Refresher' provided by the course.
  • Complete the practice problems at the end of the refresher.
Data Types Review
Review common health data types, such as demographics, diagnosis, medications, procedures, and utilization data.
Browse courses on Data Types
Show steps
  • Find an online tutorial on health data types.
  • Watch the tutorial.
  • Complete the exercises provided in the tutorial.
Review Database Management Systems
Clarifies fundamental database concepts.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters of the book.
  • Summarize the key concepts of each chapter.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
MySQL Database Tutorial for Beginners
Gain a solid understanding of MySQL, database structure, and SQL queries to enhance your data analysis skills.
Browse courses on MySQL
Show steps
  • Enroll in the online tutorial
  • Watch the video lessons and complete the exercises
  • Build a sample database and practice writing queries
  • Refer to the tutorial documentation for additional support
Complete the Data Types Tutorial
Reinforces understanding of different health data types.
Browse courses on Data Types
Show steps
  • Follow the steps in the 'Data Types' tutorial provided by the course.
  • Complete the practice exercises at the end of the tutorial.
Formulate Data Queries
Practice interpreting questions and translating them into queries the database management system can understand.
Browse courses on Data Queries
Show steps
  • Read the user question.
  • Identify the data needed.
  • Write the query.
  • Test the query.
Practice Formulating Data Questions
Improves ability to translate questions into queries.
Show steps
  • Read the 'Formulating Data Questions' module.
  • Complete the online exercises provided in the module.
Participate in a Study Group
Facilitates discussions and clarifies concepts.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material.
Create a Data Visualization
Reinforces data interpretation and presentation skills.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset from the course.
  • Use a data visualization tool to create a visualization.
  • Write a brief report interpreting the visualization.
Become a mentor for students in a health data course
Help others understand the concepts and develop their skills in health data management and analysis.
Show steps
  • Join a mentorship program or reach out to students directly
  • Provide guidance and support to students on course material
  • Share your knowledge and experience in health data analytics
  • Provide feedback and encouragement to help students succeed
Compile Course Notes and Resources
Organizes learning materials for easy access.
Show steps
  • Create a folder for the course.
  • Save all lecture notes, assignments, and other resources in the folder.
Develop a Health Data Analysis Project
Applies learning to a real-world health data analysis scenario.
Browse courses on Health Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a health data analysis problem.
  • Collect and clean the necessary data.
  • Perform data analysis and interpretation.
  • Present the findings in a report.

Career center

Learners who complete The Data Science of Health Informatics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts use their knowledge of data analysis to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course is specifically designed for individuals who want to work as Healthcare Data Analysts.
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialists use their knowledge of health data and information systems to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of health informatics. Students who take this course will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate health information systems, as well as how to use data to improve patient care.
Healthcare IT Manager
Healthcare IT Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of health information systems. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of health informatics. Students who take this course will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate health information systems, as well as how to use data to improve patient care. This course may also be helpful for Healthcare IT Managers who want to specialize in data analytics.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use their knowledge of data analysis and machine learning to solve complex problems. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data science. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to build and evaluate machine learning models. This course may also be helpful for Data Scientists who want to specialize in the healthcare industry.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use their knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques to help businesses make informed decisions. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in data analysis concepts and techniques that are essential for success in this field. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Data Analysts who want to specialize in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants use their knowledge of the healthcare industry to help healthcare organizations improve their performance. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of health informatics. Students who take this course will learn how to analyze healthcare data, identify trends, and develop recommendations for improvement. This course may also be helpful for Healthcare Consultants who want to specialize in data analytics.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts use their knowledge of public health data to identify trends and develop recommendations for improving the health of populations. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Public Health Analysts who want to specialize in data analytics.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use their knowledge of statistics to design and analyze studies that investigate the effects of medical treatments and interventions. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Biostatisticians who want to specialize in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of healthcare organizations. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of health informatics. Students who take this course will learn how to design, implement, and evaluate health information systems, as well as how to use data to improve patient care. This course may also be helpful for Healthcare Administrators who want to specialize in data analytics.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts use their knowledge of data analysis to help businesses make informed decisions. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Business Intelligence Analysts who want to specialize in the healthcare industry.
Medical Writer
Medical Writers use their knowledge of medicine and writing to create educational and promotional materials for healthcare professionals and patients. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of health informatics. Students who take this course will learn how to write clearly and effectively about medical topics, as well as how to use data to support their writing. This course may also be helpful for Medical Writers who want to specialize in the healthcare industry.
Health Economist
Health Economists use their knowledge of economics to analyze the costs and benefits of healthcare interventions. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Health Economists who want to use data to improve healthcare policy.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists use their knowledge of epidemiology to investigate the causes and spread of diseases. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Epidemiologists who want to use data to improve public health.
Medical Researcher
Medical Researchers use their knowledge of science and medicine to conduct research on new treatments and cures for diseases. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data analysis. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Medical Researchers who want to use data to improve patient care.
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associates are responsible for managing clinical trials. The Johns Hopkins University course, Data Science of Health Informatics, provides a strong foundation in the concepts and techniques of data management. Students who take this course will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results of their analysis. This course may also be helpful for Clinical Research Associates who want to specialize in data analytics.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Data Science of Health Informatics.
Provides a practical guide to health data analytics. It covers the different types of health data, the methods for analyzing health data, and the applications of health data analytics in healthcare.
This textbook provides a systems perspective on health informatics, offering a comprehensive overview of the field.
This hands-on guide provides practical experience with data science techniques for healthcare, complementing the course's theoretical foundations.
Explores the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, covering its applications and ethical implications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning in healthcare. It covers the different types of machine learning algorithms, the methods for developing machine learning models, and the applications of machine learning in healthcare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence in healthcare. It covers the different types of artificial intelligence algorithms, the methods for developing artificial intelligence models, and the applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

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