Digital Health - Athlone

This dynamic interdisciplinary programme between the Department of Nursing and Healthcare and the the Department of Computer and Software Engineering is meeting societal needs and care needs of individuals, families and communities as they evolve. Healthcare providers are challenged by the sophistication of technological, medical and social advancement and with the ever-increasing divergence in social inequalities, presenting healthcare with a new agenda for transformation.

The programme was developed and will be delivered by lecturers from the fields of computer and software engineering and nursing and healthcare. This is pivotal in preparing graduates to bridge the gap between healthcare and computing; to lead the transformative evolution of technology in healthcare delivery. As identified by the World Health Organization (2021) digital health can help health systems be more efficient and sustainable, enabling them to deliver good quality, affordable and equitable care. Likewise the eHealth strategy in Ireland (Health Service Executive (2023) suggests that the use of technological-enabled solutions will lead to improved population wellbeing, health service efficiencies and economic opportunities. The teaching strategies involve a problem based approach with development of practice based skills working with practice based problems which mirrors the challenges faced in the healthcare environment.

Year 1 – Semester 1
Data Analysis and Visualisation for Healthcare Systems
Credits: 10
This module will analyse the mechanisms utilised to harmonise data representation in healthcare environments. It will define generalised mechanisms by which data from disparate systems is represented. Once a generic data structure is specified, learners will generate dashboards, interactive reports, charts and graphs, which will then be published through a variety of mediums.

Digitalisation in a Modern Health System
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to develop the student’s critical appraisal and evaluation of the potential of digital technology to transform the modern health system in terms of improving patient outcomes, improving clinical utility and enhancing the sustainability and integration of healthcare.

Year 1 – Semester 2
Implementing Intelligent Healthcare Systems
Credits: 10
This module will enable the student to analyse, select and evaluate the most appropriate artificial intelligence strategy for a range of real world healthcare scenarios.

This programme is primarily aimed at those working within the healthcare sector e.g. nursing, medicine, allied health professions, clerical administration and support staff who wish to develop their knowledge and skill in the digital health sector.

A Bachelor of Science (Level 8) or equivalent qualification is required for entry to this programme. In line with TUS Guidelines, students prior learning may also be recognised including: prior experiential (non-certified) and accredited (certified) learning. TUS Quality Assurance policies and procedures governing recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be applied to enable applicants with a non-classified award or a pre-Bachelors award, to progress to postgraduate studies where applicable, adhering to standard RPL application criteria set by TUS. Applicants gaining admission using APEL are required to provide the submittal of documentary evidence to support his/her application in line with TUS requirements.

International Students
Hold a Honours Degree with related field of studies (Level 8) with 60% average. In line with admission policies, non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS level of 6.5 or equivalent examination with no band less than 6.0.

Applicants applying for entry to this postgraduate programme should supply the following information directly to the International Office for programmes commencing in September.

Apply via the online application process
Detailed curriculum vitae.
Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English.
Evidence of ability to follow classes in English which satisfy TUS Minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Letter of recommendation from appropriate Head of School or lecturer at home institution.

1 year full-time

Course Commencement Date: September

Further Study
Graduates of this Postgraduate Certificate with GPA greater than 50% can progress to PG Dip/MSc in Digital Health. Following this they may progress on to a programme of Doctoral studies in the digital or health space.

Career Opportunities
Attainment of a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Health in today’s health care environment provides national and international recognition and eligibility to apply for higher level clinical/non-clinical, educational, leadership/management roles within healthcare organisations which are increasingly identifying job specifications with essential or desirable characteristics for the applicant to have attained a postgraduate Level 9 award. Furthermore, due to the transformational nature of digital health and its fast integration into the health system opportunities will arise for employees with these specific knowledge and skills e.g. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Application Leads, Data Analysts, informatics.