Health Information Technology - HIT 118

Course Description

This course includes the study of the pathology and general health management of diseases and injuries across the life span. Topics include the fundamental concepts and processes of human disease such as inflammation, infection, neoplasia, degeneration, aging, congenital and genetic disorders, immune deficiency and autoimmune disorders. Idiopathic, traumatic, stress-related, substance abuse-related and iatrogenic disorders will also be studied. The student will develop an understanding of common diagnostic work-ups including laboratory tests and imaging. The types of treatments for diseases, which may include pharmacology, surgery and other therapies, are also covered.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Classify diseases based on pathogenic or morphological characteristics.
• Analyze the processes that lead to cell injury.
• Describe responses for healing, including inflammation and fever.
• Analyze the immune response and diseases that affect immunity.
• Differentiate the pathology of various diseases, including: neoplastic disease, blood disorders, hemodynamic and vascular disorders.
• Describe the pathophysiology of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, renal, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, integumentary and nervous systems.
• Explain the steps involved in the workup, diagnosis and treatment of a patient.
• Interpret typical signs and symptoms of selected disorders.
• Discuss the influence of age, heredity, environment, stress and immune response in disease processes.
• Classify different forms of pain and trauma.
• Interpret pharmacologic information.
• Explore the concept of wellness.
• Differentiate laboratory tests utilized in medicine.
• Identify screening tests and procedures for common diseases or conditions.
• Explain how common laboratory and diagnostic tests are performed.
• Relate the indications and contraindications for various diagnostic tests.
• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic test results.
• Demonstrate use of the Internet and other reference tools for research of unfamiliar disease topics, medical procedures and drug therapy.

Course Schedule