Certificate Program
Applied Health Informatics (AHI)
PROGRAM OFFERING DATE: September 17, 2026
DURATION AND MODE: Total 16 weeks; Virtual Lectures: 8 weeks
Experiential Learning: 8 weeks (available in both virtual/in-person)
PROGRAM FEE: ₹8,000
TIME COMMITMENT: 1 hour per week lecture + self-paced Learning
- Current batch is ongoing. Admissions are open for the next session. Click on Apply Online and submit your application.
Program Overview
Applied Health Informatics (AHI) is a discipline that emphasizes the intersection of information science and technology, healthcare, and communication. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is an emerging trend that can help address numerous public health problems efficiently through their electronic application in collecting and managing data. AHI enables the practical use of information technology and communication in healthcare settings to improve patient care, health outcomes, and the efficiency of healthcare systems.
Applied Health Informatics (AHI) is a discipline that emphasizes the intersection of information science and technology, healthcare, and communication. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is an emerging trend that can help address numerous public health problems efficiently through their electronic application in collecting and managing data. AHI enables the practical use of information technology and communication in healthcare settings to improve patient care, health outcomes, and the efficiency of healthcare systems.
AHI focuses on the application of informatics principles to optimize healthcare delivery, enhance clinical decision-making, and facilitate the broader use of health data. It entails a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of technological solutions and data-driven methodologies to improve health outcomes, operational efficiencies, and the overall effectiveness of health systems. Students are empowered to develop critical skills that allow them to analyze and interpret health data, implement innovative informatics solutions, and advocate for the integration of technology in healthcare practices. AHI prepares learners to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare environments, leading to improved healthcare and informed public health strategies. Through collaborative efforts and practical experiences, students also learn to address real-world health challenges, making a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape.
Under AHI, students will cover a broad range of topics, including essentials and principles of public health informatics, health information systems, different health information technologies and their applications, patient-to-patient communication, evaluation of health-related information available on websites, and ethical considerations in consumer health informatics. Students will be oriented to tailored health messaging strategies that can help them to personalize the content based on community needs, thereby improving the effectiveness of the intervention and increasing the likelihood of desirable change in behavior
The core objective is to cultivate the skills necessary for students to leverage information technology and communication to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. It aims to foster critical thinking and skills, enabling students to understand, utilize and manage the digital health information and communication tools for improving health outcomes and promoting patient-centered care.
Based on the principles of Bloom’s Taxonomy, learning outcomes of the program include:
- Define the fundamental concepts of health informatics, data science, data warehouse, data mining, and blockchain technology
- Understand the pivotal role of Health Information Systems (HIS) in collecting, managing, and utilizing health data to improve health outcomes and promote evidence-informed health practice.
- Demonstrate competency in applying digital tools and strategies for effective health education in empowering consumers to actively manage their health through accessible, personalized, and interactive technology-based solutions.
- Grasp the potential of big data in public health and healthcare, and describe how it supports evidence-based decision-making and improves population health outcomes.
- Explore key components involved in designing an effective health information website that ensures accessibility and accuracy of content
- Evaluate the usability and accessibility of health-related information available on websites, ensuring they effectively meet the needs of diverse users and promote equitable access to health information.
The program is delivered virtually which spans 4 months. It includes 2 months of virtual training and 2 months of experiential learning (virtual/in-person). The entire program includes 8 topics. Each topic is delivered weekly in the form of weekly lectures, case studies, hands-on exercises, and reading material. Assessments are conducted both during and after the module completion. Students also participate in various community outreach activities.
- COPHI (Community of Population Health Informatics): Fortnightly interaction on our discussion forum
- Monthly research seminar series
- Opportunity to participate in community outreach initiatives, implementing public health/digital interventions
- Participation in our v-INSPIRE experiential learning program that aims to enhance academic and non-academic skills of students by providing an innovative and participatory learning experience
- Participation in our Career and Mentorship Program (CAMP) that aims to provide students an opportunity to explore career pathways in the field of public health.
- Opportunity to engage in hackathon/ and other innovative initiatives
- Opportunity to participate in National and International conferences
This is a flexible, self-paced hybrid program (including both Asynchronous and synchronous learning), with interactive teaching, through a series of weekly lectures, case studies, reading material, and discussions. In addition, the program will utilize problem-based learning approaches to assess student skills, knowledge, and competencies. Additionally, the program offers a platform for students to voice their opinions on the Discussion Forum and periodic seminars along with hands-on research experience.
| Module | Topics | Teaching and Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basics of Health Informatics and its Principles | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 2 | Health Information Technology and Assessment | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 3 | Health Information Systems and its Components | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 4 | Design and evaluation of Health Information websites | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 5 | Role of Data Science in Health Care Advancements | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 6 | Digital Health Education and Consumer Engagement | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 7 | Patient-to-patient communication and Electronic Patient-Centered Communication | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 8 | Ethical Issues in Consumer Heath Informatics | Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion |
| 8-week experiential learning program featuring research seminars/case study–based learning. | ||
- Understand the fundamental principles of health informatics and its applications in improving public health practice and outcomes.
- Empowering learners to grasp the transformative potential of big data in healthcare.
- Opportunity to participate in National and International conferences
- Opportunity to participate in digital-based community initiatives designed to promote health.
- Opportunity to build their portfolio for furthering their career across multiple healthcare pathways
- Guidance and Mentorship to publish their research work in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- A certificate will be provided upon participation in the Experiential Learning, in addition to successful completion of the certificate program
- Fundamentals of Population Health Research (FPHR)
- Human-centered Design and Development of Community Health Intervention (HCD-DCHI)
- Introduction to Data Analytics in Healthcare (IDAH)
- Principles of Health Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PHPAL)
- Applied Health Informatics (AHI)
- Health and Nutrition Informatics (HNI)
