NH095 Syllabus

Learning Objectives and Methods

Summary

This course is an introduction into medical equipment technology, and improving its application, safety, and reliability through a program of technology management and direct support.

Learning Objectives

Provide a basic understanding of medical and technical concepts, patient care equipment and technology principles, application and proper operation, common problems and solutions, patient safety issues, maintenance, and management of the technology.
Provide a methodology for improving the safety and cost-effectiveness of common medical devices through a program of healthcare technology management.
Help students better communicate with other hospital staff involved with medical devices, administration, and equipment vendors.
Develop the student’s interest, and prepare them for further study and more advanced application of the principles.

Methods

The course will utilize web-based content including text, photos, diagrams, flow charts, other figures, video, audio, links to other websites, and other web attributes to deliver content to students. It is important to review all content including all links in the Learning Modules.

A key element to success in the course is to follow the Schedule for dates of topics and quizzes. Most Learning Modules will have a reading assignment and a Discussion question on Day 1 and a Quiz or other assignment on Day 2. In general, the Home Page and Discussion section should be checked every day. Reading ahead in the course is acceptable and is recommended as some Learning Modules are longer than others.

Supplemental Texts

Carr, J.C. and J.M. Brown, Introduction to Biomedical Equipment Technology, Prentice Hall, 2001
R. S. Khandpur, Biomedical Instrumentation: Technology and Applications, McGraw Hill, 2005

Grading

Student Evaluation and Grading

Eight Quizzes - each 5 points
There will be a quiz after completion of most modules. A pre-test at the beginning of the course will help prepare the student for quizzes.
Two 75 minute exams - each 20 points
A midterm exam will be given covering the first half of the course. A final exam will cover the second half of the course.
Discussion questions and responses - 20 points
Discussion questions relevant to the current topic will be presented. Responses to the posts by other students is encouraged along with a response from the original presenter. The highest grade for the assignment will only be achieved if the student makes an original post to the discussion question, comments on another students post, and also responds to other students comments on his/her original post.
Class participation in discussion boards - 15 points
The discussion board will be an important part of the course. Discussion topics will be presented for each module and each student is asked to respond. Other exercises will involve students interacting with other students online.

Note, Review Exercises assignments which link to another website may be included in some course topics. Although these will not be directly graded, quiz or exam questions may cover materials or tests included as part of these links. Also, interactive simulations are included for some medical devices. The content of these simulations may be included in the quizzes or exams.

Discussion guidelines

Role of discussion in meeting learning objectives

Improve the students deeper understanding of course materials by facilitating the need to understand content by drawing insight from it

Stimulating a broad spectrum of learners to share their experiences and knowledge with others

Allow additional content to be understood through discussion topics and related research

Discussion expectations

The discussion groups are an opportunity for you to express yourself related to topics, add a human factor to the course – show a living being on the end of the wire, and to derive a deeper understanding of content, controversy, and the value of networking with peers. Discussion groups bring life to the course!

Some guidelines

Show respect for others and their thoughts, ideas and opinions

Read the course content materials prior to responding. Prepare your discussion posts in a separate document (offline in Word or other wordprocessor) then cut and paste to the Discussion email.

Meet the time and date requirements of the discussion post deadlines. This adds greatly to the value and continuity of the posts

The Discussion Assignment posts or responses should generally be at least 200 words.

Please use references, links or other sources where appropriate to back up your statements or to provide information of general class interest.

Discussion will be 20% of your grade. The grading will be based on quality of responses and timeliness. Quality factors include value added to the course, enthusiasm, and understanding of the materials

Extra Credit

One written report - up to 5 points

An extra credit report on a topic of your chosing related to a medical device, technology, technology-related procedure or system can be completed with a maximum added five (5) points to your grade.

The extra credit report is due on the last official class day.

The report should be 10 pages of double spaced text. The report should be completed in MS Word or Adobe PDF.

The sections of the report should include:

Title page with title, course title, student's name and date

Table of contents

(Main body of the paper)

Conclusion

Bibliography

Criteria for grading will be:

*Organization

*Presentation

*Creativity and originality

*Quality and accuracy

*Technical versus clinical content (should have components of each)

*Format, grammar, spelling, etc

Attach the report in an email to the instructor.