2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

JUSO5031M GIS for Health Care Management (WUN)

15 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Dr Jim Wright
Email: j.a.wright@soton.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Apr to 30 Jun (Adv pre 2223), 1 Apr to 30 June View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of geographical information systems (GIS) how to utilise GIS tools in the management of the health care system. An understanding of spatial patterns of inequality in health provides the basis for a spatial approach to the organization of health care systems.The unit reviews the diversity of health care systems encountered internationally and the different spatial organization strategies that they involve. Sources of spatial data for health care management are explored, with particular emphasis on the representation and modelling of catchment areas and populations, which allow the modelling of population need for health care.Case studies in the use of GIS for facility location and the measurement of accessibility are presented, and the use of GIS in the targeting of health promotion and education explored. This course has been primarily designed for online delivery and comprises an extensive set of online learning objects, each of which has associated directed activities. Data files for GIS practicals are provided for students to download and work on locally.

Objectives

On completion of the module students should:
1. be able to critically evaluate contemporary developments in health care from a spatial analysis perspective.
2. be able to discuss definitions of health and health care and explain how these definitions impact on the real-world planning of health services using GIS.
3. understand the issues involved in representing people, and their spatial behaviour as objects in GIS.
4. be able to articulate and evaluate the complex inter-relationships between the need for, provision of, access to, and utilisation of, health services.
5. appreciate the approach necessary to design and evaluate a GIS application to solve a specific problem or fulfil a specific operational requirement in health care management.
6. be able to use GIS tools to describe and evaluate patterns of health care provision and utilization

Learning outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to display knowledge and understanding of:
Detailed knowledge of selected parts of the subject that allow you to study the current literature and engage in discussion with peers – in relation to the spatial organization of health care services
Knowledge of contemporary methods used to analyse remotely sensed imagery and other spatial data sets – in relation to the management of the health care system

At the end of this unit, students will be able to display a range of subject specific intellectual skills:
Critically analyse the literature relating to remote sensing and spatial analysis
Abstract and synthesise information from a range of different sources – in relation to sources of health, population and relevant environmental data
Use appropriate principles, theories and methods to design and undertake primary research within the subject area
Analyse and critically interpret primary and secondary data

At the end of this unit, students will be able to display a range of subject specific practical skills:
Spatial data analysis – including measuring and modelling need; facility location and accessibility

At the end of this unit, students will have developed a range of transferable/general (key) skills:
Pursuit of knowledge in an in-depth, ordered and motivated way
Learning and independent study
Information processing (including IT skills): literature searches
Data manipulation (including IT skills): analysis of data (especially spatial data); statistical methods;
Communication: oral and written presentation; scientific writing
Management: safe and effective project planning and execution; time management

Skills outcomes
- Pursuit of knowledge in an in-depth, ordered and motivated way
- Learning and independent study
- Information processing (including IT skills): literature searches
- Data manipulation (including IT skills): analysis of data (especially spatial data); statistical methods
- Communication: oral and written presentation; scientific writing
- Management: safe and effective project planning and execution; time management.

Syllabus

1. International context of health care management and planning
2. Spatial aspects of health care planning
3. Data source considerations for GIS
4. Measuring and modelling need for health care
5. Exploring inequalities in health care provision and utilization
6. Approaches to facility location
7. GIS for measuring and modelling accessibility
8. GIS for health promotion and education

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	20	1.00	20.00
Independent online learning hours			60.00
Private study hours			70.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- To work through online course materials: 45 hours
- To undertake online self-assessment review questions: 4 hours
- To undertake additional reading: 31 hours
- To complete the practical exercises: 50 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through email communication and the online discussion room.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	1 x 1,800 word practical	33.00
Practical	1 x 1,800 word practical	34.00
Practical	1 x 1,800 word practical	33.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 01/02/2016

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