Course Details

  • Duration: 12 weeks part-time
  • Biannual intakes: October and April
  • Location: Online and in-person (optional)
  • Contact us

How to apply

Step 1: Apply via Imperial at digitalmaternity@imperial.ac.uk

Step 2: Register with Imperial (for those accepted on the programme)

This short course has finished and is currently no longer running.

 

Aims

The Foundations of Digital Health Leadership programme aims to develop a new generation of digital changemakers, who will drive information and technology transformation in maternity service delivery, across the NHS.

This programme is a 12 week non-accredited online course delivered by Imperial College London. The programme is delivered online with an optional in-person day centred around leadership and building your network. All components of the programme are designed to be highly engaging, supporting your individual learning and creating a vibrant learning community of digital leaders.

Learning Objectives

The high-level learning outcomes of this programme are to:

  • Compare and contrast contemporary digital health systems challenges and opportunities
  • Demonstrate awareness of the role and function of health information infrastructures
  • Critically appraise the principles and role of user-centred design to engage stakeholders and service users with health challenges
  • Apply the principles and methods of health informatics, employing data-driven approaches to improve service quality and efficiency

You will learn about emerging knowledge and apply best-practice models, frameworks, and approaches to improve outcomes and add further value to NHS initiatives. Throughout the programme, you will use a learning journal to reflect on your practice, and to capture the impact you achieve in your organisation.

Module Schedule

The programme comprises four modules which are described in more detail on the following page:

  • Module 1: Foundations of Health Systems
  • Module 2: Introduction to Health Informatics
  • Module 3: User-Centred Design
  • Module 4: Data for Maternity Services

Time Commitment

The recommended study time for the Foundations programme is 5 hours per week. This includes approximately 3.5 hours of engagement with online content -watching videos or listening to podcasts, reading, and completing online activities. The remaining 1.5 hours is for wider reading and reflecting. Note that individual needs may differ depending on previous exposure to teaching and learning. Therefore, some participants may need to commit more time to the programme and undertake additional self-directed study to successfully achieve the learning outcomes.

Assessments

Since this programme is non-accredited there will be no formal assessment. However, to earn your certificate of completion and to evidence your learnings from the programme you must receive a 50% (pass) grade in the following:

  • Multiple-choice quizzes
  • Reflective blogs

Entry Requirements

  • You must be employed to work in NHS
  • You must work in maternity service delivery, with an interest in the role that digital health plays in transforming and improving services for patients and staff
  • A good grasp of professional written and spoken English

Fees

All places on the Foundations are sponsored and fully funded by NHS England and Improvement. 

How to apply

Step 1: Apply via Imperial at digitalmaternity@imperial.ac.uk
Step 2: Register with Imperial (for those accepted on the programme)

Course Content

Foundations Module 1

Foundations of Health Systems

Following this module, you will be able to:

  • Evaluate the health ecosystem in which they operate and understand market failures governing it
  • Critically appraise the evolution of health systems and how they came to be complex systems
  • Discuss the role of digital services as part of a quality health system
Foundations Module 2

Introduction to Health Informatics

Following this module, you will be able to:

  • Explain the interplay between stakeholders and systems that underpin the health information infrastructure, and how change can influence this
  • Examine and analyse the functions of health information infrastructures, especially in relation to facilitating access to information and the re-purposing of data for service delivery, quality of care and medical research
  • Evaluate strategies for promoting adoption and effective use of clinical information
  • Demonstrate awareness of the role of Information governance and principles of data sharing
Foundations Module 3

User-Centred Design

Following this module, you will be able to:

  • Describe and critique a wide range of digital health innovations for patients and citizens, drawing on current evidence and user cases
  • Communicate the importance of user-centredness for enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare and for addressing changing consumer needs and expectations
  • Explain the role and value of user-centred design in producing digital health tools and services that are fit for purpose and value for money
Foundations Module 4

Data for Maternity Services

Following this module, you will be able to:

  • Identify the key features of a “Learning Health System”
  • Recognise the potential impact and challenges of health informatics developments on patients/ populations/ services and their implications for continuous improvement of patient care
  • Critical awareness of the products and processes of data management - where does data go and how is it processed (MSDS, CQIM, local and national audit/ research, clinical care/ decision making)
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of "data quality and understanding submissions/ reporting"