Technological Innovation and Digital Health



Overview

Exploring the role of technological innovations in health care

Drawing on academic literature and real-world case studies, this module will critically examine both the transformative potential and the limits of technological innovations in health care (such as virtual consultations, networked electronic patient records, assisted living technologies, tele-monitoring and telehealth, smartphone apps, and wearables). You will be provided with the theoretical background and practical tools for participatory co-design. You will also explore key opportunities and challenges to the adoption, use and implementation of technology in personal and organisational settings. The module will draw on quantitative and qualitative approaches to digital health research.

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 5pm Friday 2nd May 2025. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

Course Aims

On completion of this module, we expect our students to be able to:

  • Describe and critically apply different theoretical perspectives to study technological innovation and digital health
  • Systematically plan the design and development of digital health solutions from participatory and person-based perspectives
  • Critically analyse challenges to the implementation and use of complex technology-supported health care innovations, including a consideration of the social, cultural, political and regulatory/policy context
  • Explain and justify the use of quantitative and/or qualitative approaches to the evaluation of digital health interventions
  • Discuss core and emerging topics in digital health

Examples of research methods and techniques covered in this module:

  • Co-design and participatory methods
  • Ethnographic practice/qualitative methods

Examples of technologies/case studies discussed in this module:

  • Video consultations
  • Organisational systems (such as electronic patient records)
  • Assisted living technologies
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning 
  • Smartphone-based apps and systems

Programme details

The first two weeks of this module are spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a week is then spent in Oxford for face-to-face teaching and group work (this takes place on the advertised dates), there are then a series of extended activities (delivered through the VLE) over the following weeks which are designed to support you in the preparation and delivery of the practical elements of your assignment. You will be required to submit your written assignment electronically (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

 

Fees

Description Costs
Short Course in Health Sciences £3175.00
Students enrolled on MSc in Translational Health Science £2570.00

Funding

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Discounts

If you are an employee of the University of Oxford and have a valid University staff card you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on the full stand-alone fee. To take advantage of this offer please submit a scan/photocopy of your staff card along with your application. Your card should be valid for a further six months after attending the course.

Tutors

Dr Chrysanthi Papoutsi

Co-Module Coordinator

Chrysanthi Papoutsi is a Health Services Researcher at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford.

Dr Jackie van Dael

Co-Module Coordinator

Dr Jackie van Dael is a Health Services Researcher at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on performance in a group presentation and submission of a written assignment which should not exceed 4,000 words.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact ths@conted.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Application

This course requires you to complete the application form and to attach a copy of your CV. If you are applying to take this course for academic credit you will also be required to provide a reference. Please note that if you are not applying to take the course for academic credit then you do not need to submit a reference.

Please ensure you read the guidance notes which appear when you click on the symbols as you progress through the application form, as any errors resulting from failure to do so may delay your application.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact ths@conted.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions.

 

Selection criteria

Admissions Criteria:
To apply for the course you should:

  • Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course
  • Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field
  • Be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of translational health sciences within the work place
  • Have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)
  • Show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
  • Be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the University’s higher level. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms have been rated as 4-Star Campus accommodation under the Quality In Tourism scheme, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme. Accomodation is not included in the course fee.

IT requirements

Please ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the specifications detailed on our technical support page.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support