The University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies is offering the Population Health Informatics for Healthcare Leaders Seminar on the Newark campus this spring. Aimed at clinicians and other healthcare professionals who need to better understand the applications and implications of healthcare data, analytics, and data management and assessment, the two-day program takes place April 26-27 and focuses on how big data can be leveraged to improve patient care, reduce costs and manage population health.

“With unparalleled change going on in healthcare, organizations must be able to understand the types of data available to them and how to use that data to gain insights into their business practices and care delivery,” said Lisa Moon, health informatics expert and lead instructor for the program.

“There is a knowledge gap that healthcare leaders are experiencing as the demand for data-driven practices increases,” Moon said. “Understanding the practical implications is important, especially as new models of care and alternative payment are creating tensions in an already stressed environment.”

Dee Campbell, UD professor of nursing, echoed the importance of effectively using healthcare statistics and patient data to inform healthcare delivery.

“In the profession of nursing, evidence is driving our practice,” said Campbell, who attended last fall’s seminar. “Evidence that is culled from exploration of large data sets must be used to evaluate our interventions and outcomes, and being knowledgeable on how to gather and analyze the data is crucial for all nursing leaders.

“It’s true that most healthcare professionals have been analyzing data their entire careers, but sometimes we just need to step back and refresh our approach and our ability to communicate effectively.”

Campbell recommended healthcare leaders as well as students seeking advanced practice clinical degrees attend the seminar.

Offered through UD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, Population Health Informatics for Healthcare Leaders emphasizes practical applications, tools and strategies and takes place April 26-27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in Newark, Delaware.

An enrollment discount is currently available by using the code UDDISC upon registration.

For more information about Population Health Informatics for Healthcare Leaders, including a detailed curriculum, visit http://www.pcs.udel.edu/health-informatics/ write to continuing-ed@udel.edu or call 302-831-7600.