Information Technology in Health Research
Information Technology in Health Research (ITHR) is a course specially developed for health professionals who wish to hone their skills in using IT in their research work. The course aims to foster innovation and critical thinking in the use of IT in health research. The course uses a mix of media: CD-ROM, print, and the World Wide Web.
Objectives
After going through the course, participants should be able to:- Describe what applications may be used at each stage of the research cycle;
- Demonstrate that they can use statistical applications, locate online information and access communication channels;
- Describe the functions and main characteristiscs of a number of applications, including computer-based bibliographic databases, and software that facilitate data analysis; and
- Suggest how they might use IT in research in their field of work.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted, applicants should have:- a Bachelor of Science in a health-related field
- basic knowledge inresearch methodology, including formulat - ing research questions, literature searching, data collection, analysis, and presenting findings; and
- basic computer skills (including starting the operating system, opening and saving files, using a mouse)
Participants will also need to have:
- access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:
- Pentium 90 MHz
- Double speed CD-ROM drive
- 20 MB of hard disk drive
- 28.8 KBPs modem
- Speakers
- Operating system: Windows 95
- Microsoft Office 95 or equivalent
- an account with an Internet Service Provider with e-mail and Web access.
Course Structure
The course covers the following topics:
- Information exchange and communication on the Internet
- Literature searching and bibliographic management
- Statistical applications
- Data collection
- Quantitative data analysis using Epilnfo
- Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software
- Presentation software
- Web publishing
- Advanced applications
The course runs for 12 weeks. Learning is pre-dominantly self-directed. However, online discussions provide a forum for learners to exchange ideas on specific topics, and to support each other.
