PHTY41230 Digital Health Technologies: Integration and Application of Medical and Consumer Devices

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the digital health ecosystem, focusing on the integration of: i) medical-grade devices and ii) consumer health devices (including fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitors) within healthcare.

It delves into the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of these technologies, examining their design, functionality, and the role they play in measuring and monitoring health. Students will explore the evolution of medical devices from traditional applications to the burgeoning field of wearable technology, emphasizing the blend between healthcare delivery and monitoring health and wellness.

Through a detailed examination of different kinds of sensors, biometric outcomes, and algorithmic data analysis, the module provides insights into the technical workings and clinical relevance of these devices—including their validity. It addresses the role of data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance, preparing students to navigate the complexities of digital health with an informed, ethical perspective.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the design and functionality of a range of commonly used medical devices and their principles of operation

2. Evaluate the safety and regulatory requirements for medical devices
Analyse the data collected from medical devices and its potential uses in healthcare

3. Evaluate the role and potential benefits of commercial wearable technology in healthcare

4. Analyse the data collected from commercial wearable technology and its potential uses in healthcare

5. Evaluate the data privacy and security issues associated with using wearable technology in healthcare

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to Digital Health Ecosystems
Medical Imaging Technologies (Radiology, Endoscopy, Clin Photography, Digital Pathology, etc).
Physiological Measurement Devices (e.g., photoplethysmography, inertial measurement units).
Anaesthetic and Critical Care Medical Devices.
The use of ICT and Informatics in the medical devices area.
Data types and quantities related to Medical Devices.
Data security aspects related to Medical Devices.
The differences between consumer devices and medical devices.
The role of medical devices as drivers or facilitators of behaviour change.
The role of digital health apps in eHealth.
The future directions of digital health in clinical practice.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Online Learning

10
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module includes a blend of synchronous online lectures, asynchronous material, self-directed learning, and project-based assessment. Emphasis is placed on interactive learning, with case studies and practical examples drawn from current research and healthcare practices. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Student Negotiated or Choice of Assessment: Students will be required to complete and submit a project related to module content. The format of the project will be decided by class consensus, but could include a presentation, a review of the l n/a Graded No

80
Participation in Learning Activities: Completion of learning units (including pre-recorded multimedia content and quizzes) in the Virtual Learning Environment (Brightspace). n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.