INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEMS
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
NONE
ADMISSION RULES:
No distinction is made between attending and non-attending students. There are no preparatory activities or other tasks required to access the exam.
TYPE OF EXAM:
The exam is written, aims to assess the knowledge acquired on the topics covered during the course, and is delivered through a web platform.
EXAM PROCEDURES:
The classroom is typically traditional (not computer-equipped). Students must bring their own device (computer or tablet) with an internet connection to take the exam. Students may only use the exam website.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
The exam is graded on a 30-point scale.
A multiple-choice questionnaire is administered through a dedicated platform.
It is a timed exam lasting 20 minutes.
Students receive written confirmation of their participation via email from the instructor, with specific instructions regarding the exam.
The questionnaire—accessible via a link (the same for everyone) sent by email—and the access password provided at the time of the exam includes multiple-choice questions.
1 point is awarded for each correct answer.
The questions (and their order) are distributed automatically by the system.
The instructor does not know the questions in advance.
The environment is a web platform, and navigation follows its standard structure.
At the bottom of the page, the “submit” button sends the responses.
The results of the multiple-choice section are immediately available.
If the time expires, the exam is still submitted and evaluated by the system.
The instructor can verify in real time that the exam has been submitted, but not the responses.
Only once the system is unlocked can the instructor access and download the data for evaluation.
In this phase, it is also possible to send a report with the results of the questions, which are already visible to the student.
Once the results have been reviewed, the platform may be closed and the session ended.
The questionnaire format, in its structure and timing, is considered appropriate for evaluating the learning objectives of this course. Multiple-choice questions assess specific, factual knowledge.
The course aims to provide students with foundational knowledge and basic skills related to data processing systems in the healthcare sector, with particular attention to the management of clinical information, the use of information systems in dentistry, and digital technologies for telemedicine.
At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the fundamental principles of data storage systems, recognize the functioning of healthcare information systems, and interpret the role of telemedicine technologies in daily clinical practice.
LEARNING OUTCOMES ACCORDING TO THE DUBLIN DESCRIPTORS
1. Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, students should demonstrate that they have acquired:
Basic knowledge of healthcare data storage systems (file systems, databases, formats, security).
Understanding of the structure and main functions of Healthcare Information Systems, with particular reference to digital dental records, imaging, data coding, and interoperability.
Knowledge of the main applications of telemedicine in dentistry and more broadly in healthcare (teleconsultation, telemonitoring, second opinion).
Essential elements of regulations regarding privacy, data protection (GDPR), and cybersecurity in healthcare.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to:
Apply principles of digital data storage in the management of daily clinical documents.
Use a Healthcare Information System consciously to record, search, and consult patient clinical data.
Analyze simple digital information flows (e.g., appointment management, reports, radiological images).
Identify clinical or organizational situations where telemedicine can support the patient care pathway.
3. Making Judgements
Students will be able to:
Evaluate the quality and reliability of digitally stored clinical data.
Identify risks and critical issues related to the digital management of healthcare information.
Recognize limitations, benefits, and appropriate conditions for the use of telemedicine in dental hygiene and dentistry.
Adopt a critical approach toward the use of digital technologies while respecting privacy and security regulations.
4. Communication Skills
Students will be able to:
Communicate with colleagues and other professionals using correct technical terminology related to information systems.
Document and describe procedures, data, and clinical information using digital tools.
Explain to patients clearly the modalities and limitations of using digital systems and telemedicine.
5. Learning Skills
Students will be able to:
Independently update their knowledge of digital systems used in clinical practice.
Understand manuals, guidelines, and essential technical materials related to healthcare information systems.
Develop a study method that integrates theory and practice, including the use of online resources and digital materials provided by the instructor (handouts, recordings).
1. Data Storage Systems (approximately 4 hours)
Concept of data and information
Files, folders, digital formats
Databases and structured storage of healthcare data
Data security: backup, access control, encryption
Privacy and regulations (GDPR in healthcare)
2. Healthcare Information Systems (approximately 4 hours)
Definitions and components of HIS
Electronic health record: collection, management, and integration of data
Digital imaging, PACS, DICOM
Interoperability and coding standards (HL7, ICD, SNOMED, briefly)
Applications in dental hygiene and dentistry
3. Telemedicine (approximately 4 hours)
Introduction and definitions
Application areas
Teleconsultation, telemonitoring, telediagnosis
Tools, platforms, and technical requirements
Regulations, guidelines, limitations, and critical issues
The course addresses the fundamental principles of data processing systems in the healthcare domain, with a specific focus on dentistry and dental hygiene. It begins by introducing the concepts of data, information, and knowledge, analyzing how digital systems enable the collection, storage, organization, and retrieval of clinical information. The main archiving systems used in healthcare are examined, with particular reference to file and database management, standard formats for clinical documents and diagnostic images, and security procedures that ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Topics such as backup, authentication, access control, and encryption are covered, together with the implications of data protection regulations (GDPR), illustrated through examples from dental practice.
A central part of the course is dedicated to Healthcare Information Systems (HIS), presented as essential tools for managing clinical and administrative processes. The structure of a modern HIS is analyzed, and its main functionalities are examined in depth: electronic health record management, recording of medical histories, reports and procedures, appointment systems, prescription tools, and data transmission. Particular attention is devoted to dental imaging, PACS systems, and DICOM standards, which enable the storage and exchange of radiographs, intraoral photographs, and 3D images. The course also introduces the concepts of interoperability, coding, and data standardization (HL7, ICD, SNOMED CT), emphasizing the importance of systems capable of communicating effectively throughout the patient care pathway.
The final part of the course explores telemedicine as an emerging model of digital healthcare delivery. The principles, application areas, and types of services—such as teleconsultation, telemonitoring, and telecooperation—are explained. Technical (platforms, hardware and software requirements, information flow security), organizational, and regulatory aspects are addressed, with reference to national guidelines. Relevant examples and use cases in dentistry and dental hygiene are presented, highlighting opportunities and challenges associated with the use of telemedicine in real clinical contexts. The course also examines the professional–patient relationship mediated by digital technologies, ethical and legal limitations, and the conditions required for their appropriate and responsible use.
Overall, the course provides an updated and practical overview of the main information and digital tools currently used in healthcare services, guiding students in acquiring the essential foundational skills needed to operate effectively in a modern, technologically integrated clinical environment focused on data quality and safety.
Didactic teaching: 8 hours
Lectures (for the theoretical component);
Interactive teaching: 4 hours
Practical exercises (to enhance the ability to relate different types of knowledge and models);
Case study analysis (to improve the ability to apply knowledge and models in analyzing the challenges and opportunities posed by digital technologies in the context of complex organizations).
Remote teaching activities may be provided in the event of specific contingencies.
Office hours:
contact via email at sergio.moriani@uninsubria.it
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Videoconference if needed.