hnology which is essential for safe and efficient quality practice in health care.The programme is run by the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS). The advantage

onversion to a field that is of direct relevance to the student’s place of employment. It is also within the scope of PolyU’s mission to provide and deliver application-n-

addresses knowledge management in the realm of clinical governance through a systematic processing of data using information and cognitive processing systems.

management encompasses the entire process of discovery, creation, dissemination and utilisation of knowledge through technological or other means. It can be

ween various characteristics of data acquisition and knowledge transfer. The conceptual framework shown in Figure 1 below illustrates the philosophy of the MSc

between data acquisition and knowledge formation, which will be used to direct curriculum development. e interrelanshi p between data, information and

ot make any clinical sense unless it is contextualised. Information is an aggregation of contextualised data. The accumulation of information can increase certainty

ormation) by reasoning and experience. This matrix is central to health informatics because knowledge is generated from data, and data has meaning only if it is

cognitive filters. Three axes run along this data–information–knowledge matrix, namely knowledge management strategies (codification versus personalisation), types

rsus learner-centred). These axes collectively describe the process of knowledge attainment from data informatics to the individualised nature of familiarisation with

should not be neglected in the process of interpretation of clinical data. The x-axis represents the knowledge management strategy. Codification is the cornerstone of

standardised and iterated for utilisation. Codified data (i.e., information) can in turn be transformed by personalisation into knowledge and more, into generation of innovative

es data with cognitive shaping for the ultimate goal of clinical or medical use. The y-axis represents types of knowledge. Explicit and tacit knowledge are at opposite

information EPR, data warehouse and mining, biosignal processing, and bioinstrumentation, while the latter is usually in the form of internal schemata that are not

the personal absorption and transformation of explicit knowledge. The z-axis represents access to knowledge. The two routes for access to knowledge are information-n-

web-based teaching, PBL, respectively. Information-centred access is technologically driven (e.g., a search engine on the Internet), while learner-centred access is a

Evidence-based practice provides the basis for professional practice. In addition, contextual interpretation of therapeutic interaction and ideas also has a place in clinical

intrinsic stage of interpretation, and the success of clinical governance depends on striking a balance between codification and personalisation, the transfer of knowledge

in the data–information–knowledge matrix. To this end, the MSc Health Informatics programme is designed to educate professionals in the health care and related

areas of practice. Knowledge management is an essential and pervasive element in all health care activities. Based on the programme philosophy and conceptual

ogramme is to offer an opportunity for healthcare professionals and related disciplines (e.g. nurses, doctors, programmers, engineers) to develop the knowledge, understanding

ering the advanced use of IT skills in healthcare settings. Graduates are expected to: Synthesise health information technology and other healthcare disciplines for their

studies in areas within health informatics; Test, and/or generate concepts, theories and models in health informatics; Disseminate knowledge through scholarly publica-

ormatics; and integrate knowledge to influence health policy and decision-making through collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts at organisational and inter-departmental

and in particular the importance of human elements in the design and implementation of the system. In the programme, students are provided with opportunities to utilize

informatics. Upon the completion of the programme, students are able to synthesise health information technology and other healthcare disciplines for their applications

d directing research studies in areas within health informatics; and, testing &/or generating concepts, theories and models in health informatics. Evaluate research and

systems Communicate effectively the health informatics knowledge through scholarly publication, formal teaching, and provision of expert mentoring and vision for health

erdisciplinary efforts at organisational and inter-departmental levels at their workplaces. Integrate knowledge to influence health policy and decision-making in health

tance of human elements in the design and implementation of the system. Postgraduate Diploma in Health Informatics. Students will be encouraged to complete either

tudents who do not fulfil the requirements of the MSc award may be granted a postgraduate diploma if they have completed 18 credits (equivalent to 6 standard subjects),

mode programme: students can choose to pursue their degree in either the part-time or full-time mode. For the part-time mode, the duration of study is 3 years, while it is 1

fered in the evenings during the academic year. A few subjects may be offered during the summer term, when appropriate experts are brought in to enrich the teaching of

ard of MSc in Health Informatics are: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in either a health-related discipline, information technology, engineering or applied sciences from a

ication experience in health-related services or industries. Credit transfer is permitted for up to a maximum of 50% of the required number of subjects if the subjects were taken

up to a maximum of 67% of the required number of subjects if the subjects were taken within The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In cases where both types of credits are

institutions outside the University), not more than 50% of the required number of credits for the academic award may be transferred. The validity period of subject credits earned

as completed, unless otherwise specified by the department responsible for the content of the subject. Credits earned from previous study should remain valid at the time

offering departments have the flexibility to extend the validity period of subject credits on a case-by-case basis. All credit transfers and exemptions are subject to the approval

alence and currency of the subjects to this programme of study.

:: Entrance Requirements ::Bachelor’s degree in either a health-related discipline, information technology, engineering or applied sciences from a recognised univer-sity or its equivalent and, preferably, relevant post-qualification experience in health-related services or industries.

:: Enquiries ::

For academic mattersDr Thomas ChoiTel : (852) 3400 3214Email: thomasks.choi@polyu.edu.hk

For general admission mattersMiss Rachel TamTel: (852) 2766 4267Email: rachel.tam@polyu.edu.hk

Faculty of Health and Social Sciences,The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityTel: (852) 2766 5075 / (852) 2766 5077Fax: (852) 2363 0146Email: fhss.email@polyu.edu.hkWeb: fhss.polyu.edu.hk

Application & Further Informationhttp://www.polyu.edu.hk/study

:: Mode of Study ::Mixed-modePart-time: 3 yearsFull-time: 1 yearMaximum: 6 years

:: Tuition Fee :: HK$2,950 per credit (Local students)HK$3,670 per credit (Non-local students)

:: Programme Host ::Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

:: Contributing Departments :: Department of Applied Social SciencesDepartment of ComputingDepartment of Health Technology and InformaticsDepartment of Industrial and Systems EngineeringDepartment of Logistics and Maritime StudiesDepartment of Rehabilitation SciencesInterdisciplinary Division of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Nursing

a

This is a multi-disciplinary programme based on the need for health information technology which is essential for safe and efficient quality practice in health care.The programme is run by the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS). The advantage

of the postgraduate programme is that it allows for introduction, re-orientation and/or conversion to a field that is of direct relevance to the student’s place of employment. It is also within the scope of PolyU’s mission to provide and deliver application-n-

orientated programmes to the community. The MSc Health Informatics programme addresses knowledge management in the realm of clinical governance through a systematic processing of data using information and cognitive processing systems.

“Knowledge is power”, but only if the correct knowledge is used correctly. Knowledge management encompasses the entire process of discovery, creation, dissemination and utilisation of knowledge through technological or other means. It can be

interpreted as a data–information–knowledge matrix that comprises interaction between various characteristics of data acquisition and knowledge transfer. The conceptual framework shown in Figure 1 below illustrates the philosophy of the MSc

Health Informatics programme. The conceptual framework explains the relationship between data acquisition and knowledge formation, which will be used to direct curriculum development. The interrelationship between data, information and

knowledge is at the crux of the matrix. Data forms the base of the matrix, but does not make any clinical sense unless it is contextualised. Information is an aggregation of contextualised data. The accumulation of information can increase certainty

about an event. Knowledge is the condition of being familiar with particular facts (information) by reasoning and experience. This matrix is central to health informatics because knowledge is generated from data, and data has meaning only if it is

contextualised through the processing of raw signals by scientific, technological and cognitive filters. Three axes run along this data–information–knowledge matrix, namely knowledge management strategies (codification versus personalisation), types

of knowledge (explicit versus tacit), and access to knowledge (information-centred versus learner-centred). These axes collectively describe the process of knowledge attainment from data informatics to the individualised nature of familiarisation with

a piece of information by a person. In clinical governance, the role of the individual should not be neglected in the process of interpretation of clinical data. The x-axis represents the knowledge management strategy. Codification is the cornerstone of

evidence-based practice, as only through codification can clinical data be standardised and iterated for utilisation. Codified data (i.e., information) can in turn be transformed by personalisation into knowledge and more, into generation of innovative

solutions and ideas, systematic review, epistemology. Thus, health informatics relates data with cognitive shaping for the ultimate goal of clinical or medical use. The y-axis represents types of knowledge. Explicit and tacit knowledge are at opposite

ends in the spectrum of understanding. The former is based on available data and information EPR, data warehouse and mining, biosignal processing, and bioinstrumentation, while the latter is usually in the form of internal schemata that are not

always recognised or externalised. The tacit knowledge decision support system is the personal absorption and transformation of explicit knowledge. The z-axis represents access to knowledge. The two routes for access to knowledge are information-n-

centred computer labs (including telehealth / digital health) and learner-centred web-based teaching, PBL, respectively. Information-centred access is technologically driven (e.g., a search engine on the Internet), while learner-centred access is a

person’s own learning strategy, which may or may not be technologically driven. Evidence-based practice provides the basis for professional practice. In addition, contextual interpretation of therapeutic interaction and ideas also has a place in clinical

governance. Health informatics can never be entirely automated because of the intrinsic stage of interpretation, and the success of clinical governance depends on striking a balance between codification and personalisation, the transfer of knowledge

between explicit and tacit, and the extent of engagement in accessing knowledge in the data–information–knowledge matrix. To this end, the MSc Health Informatics programme is designed to educate professionals in the health care and related

sectors to realise the full potential of using health informatics effectively in their areas of practice. Knowledge management is an essential and pervasive element in all health care activities. Based on the programme philosophy and conceptual

framework, the aims and objectives are as follows. The overall aim of the programme is to offer an opportunity for healthcare professionals and related disciplines (e.g. nurses, doctors, programmers, engineers) to develop the knowledge, understanding

and competencies necessary in order to function effectively, addition to mastering the advanced use of IT skills in healthcare settings. Graduates are expected to: Synthesise health information technology and other healthcare disciplines for their

applications in health information systems; Design, conduct, and direct research studies in areas within health informatics; Test, and/or generate concepts, theories and models in health informatics; Disseminate knowledge through scholarly publica-

tion, formal teaching, and provision of expert mentoring and vision for health informatics; and integrate knowledge to influence health policy and decision-making through collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts at organisational and inter-departmental

levels at their workplaces. Recognise the systemic nature of health informatics and in particular the importance of human elements in the design and implementation of the system. In the programme, students are provided with opportunities to utilize

knowledge and a full range of cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills in health informatics. Upon the completion of the programme, students are able to synthesise health information technology and other healthcare disciplines for their applications

in health information systems. Demonstrate ability in designing, conducting, and directing research studies in areas within health informatics; and, testing &/or generating concepts, theories and models in health informatics. Evaluate research and

professional literature and understand their applications in health information systems Communicate effectively the health informatics knowledge through scholarly publication, formal teaching, and provision of expert mentoring and vision for health

informatics. Practice competently and professionally through collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts at organisational and inter-departmental levels at their workplaces. Integrate knowledge to influence health policy and decision-making in health

informatics. Recognise the systemic nature of health informatics and the importance of human elements in the design and implementation of the system. Postgraduate Diploma in Health Informatics. Students will be encouraged to complete either

the master’s degree with dissertation or the master’s degree by course work. Students who do not fulfil the requirements of the MSc award may be granted a postgraduate diploma if they have completed 18 credits (equivalent to 6 standard subjects),

including four compulsory subjects and two core subjects. This is a mixed mode programme: students can choose to pursue their degree in either the part-time or full-time mode. For the part-time mode, the duration of study is 3 years, while it is 1

year for the full-time mode. The subjects in the programme will normally be offered in the evenings during the academic year. A few subjects may be offered during the summer term, when appropriate experts are brought in to enrich the teaching of

the programme. The entry qualifications for the programme leading to the award of MSc in Health Informatics are: Possession of a bachelor’s degree in either a health-related discipline, information technology, engineering or applied sciences from a

recognised university or its equivalent and, preferably, relevant post-qualification experience in health-related services or industries. Credit transfer is permitted for up to a maximum of 50% of the required number of subjects if the subjects were taken

outside The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Credit transfer is permitted for up to a maximum of 67% of the required number of subjects if the subjects were taken within The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In cases where both types of credits are

transferred (i.e. from programmes within the University and from approved institutions outside the University), not more than 50% of the required number of credits for the academic award may be transferred. The validity period of subject credits earned

is eight years from the year of attainment, i.e. the year in which the subject was completed, unless otherwise specified by the department responsible for the content of the subject. Credits earned from previous study should remain valid at the time

when the student applies for transfer of credits. In exceptional cases, subject offering departments have the flexibility to extend the validity period of subject credits on a case-by-case basis. All credit transfers and exemptions are subject to the approval

of the Faculty based on the relevance, equivalence and currency of the subjects to this programme of study.

:: Programme Aim ::The overall aim of the programme is to offer an opportunity for health care pro-fessionals and related disciplines to develop the knowledge, understanding and competencies necessary in order to function effectively, in addition to master-ing the advanced use of Information Tech-nology skills in health care settings.

:: Programme Structure :: A range of subjects specific to knowledge

management, supported by a choice of subjects and elective of common concern to all health care professions will be offered. In general, each student is required to attend one to three evenings a week over a 14-week semester depend-ing on the study load engaged.

Students need to complete 4 compulsory subjects, 2 core subjects, 1 elective sub-ject, and a dissertation. They are encour-aged to select dissertation topics that are relevant to their professional and per-sonal interest.

@:: Characteristics ::

The programme is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and aims to equip health care professionals together with students from health related disciplines, information technology, engineering or related back-grounds for the advanced use of informa-tion technology skills in health care settings. The course contents will address the needs of the health care providers and allow for introduction, re-orientation and/or conversion to a field that is of direct relevance to the students’ place of employment.

4 Compulsory subjects (3 credits each):: Electronic Patient Records:: Epistemology:: Information Technology in Healthcare:: Professional Development in Health Informatics

2 Core subjects (3 credits each):: Applied Biosignal Processing:: Business Intelligence & Data Mining:: Clinical Decision Making:: Data Mining & Data Warehousing Applications:: Digital Imaging & PACS:: Intelligent Information Systems:: Knowledge Management for Clinical Applications:: Principles of Knowledge Engineering & Management:: Project Management

1 Elective subject (3 credits):: Bioinformatics in Health Sciences:: Concepts of Health & Health Care:: Data Systems & Management:: Information Security: Technologies & Systems:: Information System Development with OO Methods:: Internet Computing & Applications:: Methods & Tools for Knowledge Management Systems:: Research Methods & Data Analysis:: Virtual Reality in Healthcare

Dissertation* (9 credits)*Students can choose any three subjects from the core/elective subjects of the programme to replace the Dissertation.

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