Introductory description

MD3B4 - Technology & Health

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

During this module students will be introduced to the potential benefits and barriers of using technologies
in problem solving for health. The technologies covered will vary from year to year according to student
interest and contemporary developments. This module will explore the advances made in information and
communication technologies (ICT) in health care and how patient safety can be improved and measured
through health information technology. In addition during this module students will cover the topic of big
data in health disciplines. They will cover the challenges of big data, such as data structure, security, data
standardisation, storage and transfers, and managerial skills such as data governance. In adition they will
also discuss the opportunities that the use of big data brings to the health care system, such as quality
improvement, population management and health, early detection of disease, accessibility, improved
decision making, and cost reduction. The application of several technologies in various health disciplines
will also be discussed. For example, students could focus on application and impact of 3D printing in
healthcare industry and the use of medical robatics in surgery, diagnosis, rehabilitation and assistive
devices.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To engage with the concepts of big data and analytical algorithms and explore in depth how this interacts with the use of artificial intelligence in health and care
• . To explore how new and developing technologies may be applied to global and local problems in health
• To consolidate ethical reasoning skills by application to emerging technologies in health and care
• To demonstrate an applied understanding of patient safety issues in the field of new and developing technology in health and care

Indicative reading list

Singh H and Sittig D.F. (2016) Measuring and improving patient safety through health information technology: The Health IT Safety Framework. BMJ. 25(4): 226-232.
2) Wachter R. (2015) The Digital Doctor: Hope, Hype and Harm at the Dawn of Medicine’s Computer Age. McGraw-Hill Education.
3) Walker et al. (2014) Ethical issues raised by access to unapproved medical interventions:
advantages, disadvantages and obligations. American Journal of Bioethics. 14(11):3-15.
4) Hutchison et al. (2015) Getting clearer about surgical innovation: a new definition and a new tool to support responsible practice. Annals of Surgery. 262(6): 949-54
5) Draper H., Sorell T. (2013) Telecare, remote monitoring and care. Bioethics. 27(7): 365-372
6) Eaton M.L and Kennedy D. (2007) Innovation in Medical Technology: Ethical Issues and Challenges.1st edition. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Subject specific skills

Enabled to engage with the concepts of big data and analytical algorithms and explore in depth how this interacts with the use of artificial intelligence in health and care

Transferable skills

The transferable skills gained from the completion of this module include, discipline-specific knowledge, ability to gather and interpret information, ability to analyze data, oral communication skills, ability to make decisions and solve problems, written communication skills, ability to learn quickly, ability to manage a project, and creativity/innovative thinking.