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Assessing Skills And Capacity For Informatics: Activities Most Commonly Performed By Or For Local Health Departments, Kate Drezner, Lisa Mckeown, Gulzar H. Shah

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

Objective: To describe the informatics activities performed by and for local health departments.

Design: Analysis of data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey of local health departments conducted by the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in collaboration with the National Association of County & City Health Officials.

Participants: 324 local health departments.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Informatics activities performed at or for local health departments in use and analysis of data, system design, and routine use of information systems.

Results: A majority of local health departments extract data from information systems (69.5%) and …

Bios 6331 - Regression Analysis In Biostatistics, Jingjing Yin

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course introduces the methods for analyzing biomedical and health related data using linear regression models. The course will introduce the student to matrix algebra as used in linear models. The course will involve model selection, diagnosis and remedial techniques to correct for assumption violations. The students will learn how to apply SAS procedures PROC REG, PROC CORR, and PROC GLM and interpret the results of analysis. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of critical thinking skills.

Hspm 6136 - Healthcare Management, Samuel T. Opoku

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed to provide a detailed understanding of the administrative and organization management of healthcare systems, including analysis of management problems, planning, evaluating, operations and policy analysis within the healthcare environment. Selected topics from the healthcare profession of management will also be covered.

Pubh 6532a - Environmental Health, Asli Aslan

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed for graduate students and provides students with an introduction and overview of the key areas of environmental health. Students will gain an understanding of the interaction of individuals and communities with the environment. Impact of environmental agents on human and ecosystem health will be analyzed. This course will also introduce current topics in global environmental health and challenges faced under the changing climate and socio-economic needs and examine recent case studies and their outcomes related to environmental policy and management.

Hspm 7133a - Public Health Policy & Ethics, William A. Mase

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

The course prepares learners to understand complex health and human service-related systems in order to inform effective practice-based ethical decision-making. The primary focus of the course relates to public health policy and practice. Major content areas include health policy institutions, the health policy process, ethical political considerations, social determinants of health, workforce, health care financing, medical technology, health care organizations, the public health system, primary care systems, and other health-related issues impacting the health of the public. Strategies of implementing change through policy making and the legislative process are covered.

Pubh 3231 - Epidemiology And Biostatistics, Helen W. Bland

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course introduces the student to the principles and practice of epidemiology and vital statistics. Students will be exposed to the historical development of epidemiology, concepts of causality, definitions of health and disease, and sources of community health data. Current principles and practices in the cause, prevention and control of diseases in various community settings will be emphasized. 3 credits (3-0-3).

Pubh 3138 - Multicultural Factors & Social Determinants Of Health, Joseph Telfair

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Introduction to the characteristics, causes, and effects of health disparities in the U.S. health care system. Provides students with a foundation to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become culturally competent health care providers. Explores how health education and promotion is shaped by the cultural, social and economic contexts in which individuals function.

Bios 9130 - Research Seminar In Biostatistics, Hani Samawi

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed to provide the student with the current best practices in biostatistical consulting. Topics include: Identifying and constructing appropriate questions to ask clients regarding their consultation request, an overview of appropriate statistical methods and SAS software procedures to use for specific study designs and statistical analysis of collected data, directing a consultation appointment without faculty lead, conducting exploratory data analyses, conducting effective analyses based on appropriate statistical methods, conducting needed simulation (including Monte Carlo methods and Bootstrap methods) and providing oral and written communication of statistical findings. 3 credit houses.

Bios 6135 - Topics Of Inference In Biostatistics, Lili Yu

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental knowledge of derivatives, integrals, and matrix algebra found in biostatistical inference. The course will introduce the theory of quadratic forms and their applications to distributions, the method of maximum likelihood estimation, likelihood ratio tests, restricted maximum likelihood, and the basis for inferences derived from hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. Emphasis will be placed on how these techniques are used in biostatistical problems and applications using examples from the pharmaceutical industry.

Chbe 9130a - Research Methods In Community And Behavioral Health, Levi Ross

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

General Course Description: This course introduces students to research methods in health science. Development and presentation of practicum and research proposals will be the focus of the course. Additional emphasis will be placed on writing skills that will contribute to research projects and grant applications.

Hspm 7338 - Contemporary Issues In Healthcare, James H. Stephens

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Course examines operational issues in health care management. Topics include underlying of the U.S health system, systems analysis and continuous quality improvement [Lean Theory]. The goal is to instill an understanding of knowledge of accreditation bodies, professional societies and professional development. The goal is to instill an understanding of the language, applications, limitations with regarding to decision making and problem solving in healthcare organizations.

Bios 8130 – Advanced Topics In Biostatistics, Robert L. Vogel

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course provides an overview of advanced biostatistical descriptive and inferential methods including multiple regression, logistic regression, longitudinal data, survival analysis, and repeated measures with applications to public health and biomedical studies. Emphasis will be placed on developing statistical reasoning and critical thinking skills in addition to programming skills using statistical software (SAS) to analyze public health and biomedical data.

Phld 9231 - Health Informatics & Decision Making, Gulzar H. Shah

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of managing information as an asset in public health and healthcare delivery contexts. Emphasis will be placed on converting data into information and converting information into decision support models.

Pubh 3136a - Principles Of Environmental Health, R. Christopher Rustin

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to and overview of the key areas of environmental health. Using the perspectives of the population and community, the course will cover factors associated with the occurrence of environmental health problems. Students will gain an understanding of the interaction of individuals and communities with the environment, the potential impact on health of environmental agents, and specific applications of concepts of environmental health. The course will consist of a series of lectures case studies, and activities designed to cover principles of the environmental health discipline core. The major topics cover background …

Pubh 4611h - Honors Thesis Seminar Iii, Ashley D. Walker

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Provides the student with the opportunity to develop a research topic, research committee formation, and first draft of research proposal.

Engaging Homeless Service Providers In Educational Efforts During A Tuberculosis Outbreak In Atlanta, Preetha Nandi, Mary Claire Worrell, Tom Andrews, Rose-Marie Sales, Jeff Mcmichael, Kristen H. Hamptom, Neela D. Goswami

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: During an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the homeless population of metropolitan Atlanta, education of homeless service providers (HSPs) about the implementation of local infection control measures was imperative to limiting the spread of TB and to preventing future outbreaks.

Methods: By use of educational sessions and teaching posters, two interventions were designed to focus educational efforts from November 2014 to August 2015: 1) a spatially-targeted approach that identified HSPs within an area of Fulton County, GA (which includes downtown Atlanta) with high TB case density (cases per square mile) from 2009 – 2014, and 2) an organizational meeting …

Bios 7431 - Statistical Issues In Drug Research And Development, Karl E. Peace

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Numerous statistical issues attendant to providing biostatistical support to drug research and clinical development programs are identified and discussed. Real examples are used to illustrate and solidify how to address the issues.

Pubh 6535 - Theoretical Perspectives Of The Social And Behavioral Sciences In Public Health, Stacy W. Smallwood

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed to familiarize students with the history and current applications of social and behavioral sciences as they are applied to public health practice and research. It explores social and behavioral science models, theories, and approaches that inform public health, and their philosophical roots. The course also examines social and behavioral determinants of health equity across the ecological spectrum. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students synthesize and utilize information in research and practice. An important contribution of this course is the emphasis on recognizing the contributions of social and behavioral science research and practice …

Pubh 3131 - Chronic Disease: A Modern Epidemic, Raymona H. Lawrence

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, obesity) are currently responsible for 60% of the global burden of disease and the World Health Organization predicts this to rise to 80% by the year 2020. This is one of the greatest challenges facing health care systems throughout the world and it places long-term health and economic demands on health care systems as the population ages. This course will provide students with the opportunity to study specific issues related to chronic disease epidemiology and management and their links to practice.

Bios 6531 - Categorical Data Analysis, Haresh Rochani

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course introduces statistical methods for analyzing both univariate and multivariate categorical data and count in medical research and other health-related fields. The course will introduce how to distinguish among the different measurement scales, the commonly used statistical probability distribution and inference methods for categorical and count data. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the methodology and computational aspects rather than theory. The students will learn how to apply SAS procedures to data and interpret the results.

Chbe 9335a - Global Health And Preparedness, Andrew Hansen

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course will focus on global public health and preparedness for domestic and global emergencies. Students will explore patterns of health and disease around the world, and compare them to public health issues in the United States. An ecological framework will be employed to illustrate the complex political, social, economic, and environmental determinants of global health inequity. Concepts from the social sciences, epidemiology, health systems, and policymaking will be incorporated. The course will emphasize issues related to humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters both globally and domestically, and the need to build public health infrastructure and preparedness to mitigate them.

Envh 7235 - Field Methods In Environmental Health, Marina E. Eremeeva

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course introduces students to an overview of current and accepted field methods for environmental and occupational exposure monitoring.

Epid 7134 - Epidemiologic Methods Ii, Kelly L. Sullivan

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course provides instruction and hands-on experience in the analysis and interpretation of data from epidemiologic studies. Topics to be covered include epidemiology research questions that can be addressed by case-control and cohort studies, the rationale underlying the major techniques used to analyze data from case-control and cohort studies, the conditions under which these methods are appropriate and their relative advantages and disadvantages. Attention will be given to how interactions, confounders and nonlinear relationships among variables can be addressed along with interpretation of statistical software output from epidemiologic studies employing these designs and analytical methods.

Hspm 7137 - Healthcare Finance And Payment Systems, James H. Stephens

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course examines the structure and functioning of the finance reimbursement components of the health care delivery system. Healthcare organizations including hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory care, managed care, private and public insurance, public health, integrated delivery systems, and other health care providers will be discussed within the context of the financial environment that includes financial management, managerial accounting and revenue and reimbursement cycle management. The course also examines key financial tools and analyses for financially related decision making within the principles of strategic management applied to healthcare organizations amid a dynamic/changing environment.

Pubh 6535 - Theoretical Perspectives Of The Social And Behavioral Sciences In Public Health (Online), Stacy W. Smallwood

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed to familiarize students with the history and current applications of social and behavioral sciences as they are applied to public health practice and research. It explores social and behavioral science models, theories, and approaches that inform public health, and their philosophical roots. The course also examines social and behavioral determinants of health equity across the ecological spectrum. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students synthesize and utilize information in research and practice. An important contribution of this course is the emphasis on recognizing the contributions of social and behavioral science research and practice …

Pubh 6534 - Health Policy And Management, Julie Reagan

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

The course provides a comprehensive introduction and overview to public health management and administration. The course context is based on managerial decision making and the practical knowledge, tools, processes and strategies required by organizational management. This course overviews the basics of administration, including public health law, human resources management, budgeting and financing, health information management, performance measurement and improvement, ethics, leadership, communication, media relations, and legislative relations in public health; introduced as processes are strategic planning, program development and evaluation, budget preparation, and constituency building for collaboration. Emerging areas of public health policy and management are also discussed as contexts …

Pubh 6533 - Epidemiology, Isaac Chun-Hai Fung

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course provides an introduction to many important topics in epidemiology for public health practice, including but not limited to the evolution of the discipline, causal concepts in the natural history of disease, critical features of infectious and chronic diseases, elements of public health screening, basic measures used in epidemiology, design of epidemiologic investigations, consideration of random error and systematic bias, calculation and interpretation of confidence intervals and p values, discussion of confounding and interaction, criteria for evaluation of cause and effect relationships and the implications for ethical public health practice. Students are expected to gain a foundation in epidemiologic …

Epid 9231 - Epidemiology Of Chronic Disease, Jian Zhang

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is designed to introduce the student to the ever-expanding area of chronic disease epidemiology. Students will be introduced to the current status of chronic disease and control programs, methods used in chronic disease surveillance, intervention methods, and modifiable risk factors. Some of the major chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes and arthritis will be discussed in detail. Pathophysiology and clinical features of common chronic conditions will also be presented.

Pubh 2131b - Introduction To Community & Public Health, Joanne Chopak-Foss

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Introduces the student to the core functions of public health with an emphasis on community health programs and current trends of population health. Exposes the student to the role of community health practice in maximizing the health status of all populations. Course will include an overview of the organizational structure of federal, state, and local health-related agencies and examine the interrelationship of political, social, cultural and economic dimensions of community based population health activities.

Pubh 3130 - Substance Use And Abuse, Jamie S. Cromley

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course is required for students majoring in Health and Physical Education and serves as a guided elective for students in the following majors: Health Education and Promotion, Child and Family Development, Exercise Science, Justice Studies, and Recreation. All other majors are welcome.