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CPD

Health Informatics

Instructor-led

Introduction to Health Informatics and Digital Health Tools

Digital health concepts, data standards, and open-source health software for low-resource and crisis settings.

A 4-week introduction to health informatics, data standards and low-cost digital health tools, designed for low-resource environments and crisis zones. Covers lightweight open-source software (OpenMRS, DHIS2, HMS, openEHR, HIKMA EMR) and offline-first strategies that keep services running.

Accreditation

Certificate issued by Avicenna Health Institute · Aligned with IMIA Domain 1 and CAHIIM introductory competencies

Overview

An accessible introduction to how IT can improve healthcare delivery in developing health systems, where connectivity is limited and hardware resources are constrained. Participants learn data standards (ICD-11, SNOMED-CT, HL7/FHIR overview), EHR basics, and get hands-on with open-source tools built for resource-limited settings, then learn to select, configure and manage sustainable digital health interventions.

What you'll learn

  • Explain health informatics terminology, EHR models, and digital health strategies for low-resource and crisis settings.
  • Identify key health classifications and terminologies, including ICD-11, LOINC, and SNOMED CT.
  • Navigate open-source tools such as OpenMRS, DHIS2, HMS, openEHR and HIKMA EMR.
  • Assess system requirements and data security for resilient digital health projects.

Course structure

Introduction to Digital Health, Health Data Lifecycles & LMIC Contexts

Health Data Standards & Terminologies (ICD-11, LOINC, HL7/FHIR basics, openEHR)

Hands-on Open-Source EHR Systems (OpenMRS, HIKMA EMR, DHIS2)

Infrastructure Resilience, System Security & Digital Health Project Planning

How you're assessed

Participation in live sessions, software setup exercises, vocabulary mapping tasks, and a practical local digital health tool assessment project.

Who it's for

Doctors, nurses, public health officers, entry-level health IT staff, program managers and administrators new to digital health.

Entry requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or diploma in health sciences, nursing, public health, IT or a related field
  • Basic computer literacy. No programming needed.

Instructors

Dr. Abdelrahim M. Ali (Gaffar)

MBBS, PGDip, SBCM/FCM, MHPE, MSc, CIMHSE

Digital Health Lead; experienced in low-resource health IT, disease surveillance and open-source deployments. MSc Population Health Informatics, George Mason University.

How enrolment works

Register and pay here on the website.

Our team confirms your place and sends your course platform login.

You'll hear from us within 24 hours or the next business day.

Fees

$50

(portal access, live instruction, open-source toolkits, digital certificate) · Group rates for ministries and organizations

Register & Pay

Next cohort

15 Jan 2027 . 15 Feb 2027

Registration Deadline

10 Jan 2027

Duration

4 weeks

Portal Access

60 days after completion

Delivery

Instructor-led blended — live virtual sessions + self-paced assignments

Credit hours

Non-credit

Language

English

Weekly Commitment

~8–10 hours (excluding live sessions)

Download Brochure

FAQs

Do I need coding skills?

No. It's introductory and designed for non-technical professionals.

Which software is covered?

OpenMRS and HIKMA EMR (records), DHIS2 (reporting), openEHR (storing and sharing data).

What about low bandwidth or unreliable power?

The course focuses on offline-first tools, mobile sync and low-resource hardware.