Lecture 1 BAS 112 Medical and Health Information PDF

Medical and Health Information BAS 112 Lecture 1 Dr. Mervat Helmy Hussein  What is Medical and Health Information? “Medical Informatics” Medical informatics (often called health informatics) is a scientific discipline that integrates the health sciences, the use of inform...

Medical and Health Information BAS 112 Lecture 1 Dr. Mervat Helmy Hussein  What is Medical and Health Information? “Medical Informatics” Medical informatics (often called health informatics) is a scientific discipline that integrates the health sciences, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and data analytics to improve patient care, and improve healthcare processes delivery, and public health. Reference: Ramona Nelson and Nancy Staggers, Health Informatics: An interprofessional approach, 2nd edition, Elsevier, 2018 2  Computer Basic Concepts Software: describes the various programs used to operate a computer system. Hardware: is the physical (tangible) components of a computer system. Ex.: Keyboard, Speakers, printers Data: are raw and unorganized facts that need to be processed to get information from it, data are insufficient to deliver a meaning. Information: processed data which is organized, structured, and presented in a meaningful context. Knowledge: a combination of rules, relationships, ideas, and experience that can be used for decision making. 3  Computer Basic Concepts Input is the activity of gathering and capturing data. Ex.: instructors enters student names on a system. Processing means converting or transforming this input into useful outputs. Ex.: making calculations, sorting data. Output involves producing useful information, usually in the form of documents and reports. Ex.: data reports given to managers Feedback is information from the system that is used to make changes to input or processing activities. Ex.: errors or problems might make it necessary to correct input data or change a process. Feedback is important for decision makers. 4  Computer Architecture In the 1940s, a mathematician called John Von Neumann described the architecture of a computer system. Computers have Data Processors which accept input data, process data, delivers output. Figure 1. Components of Von Neumann Model 5  Components of Von Neumann Model 1- Input / Output architecture (Peripheral Devices): Input devices: such as keyboard and mouse, in order to make users interact with computers. Also, scanners are considered input devices because they capture photos into computers. Output devices: such as a monitor, a printer. 6  Components of Von Neumann Model 2- Memory The computer memory can hold both data and also the program processing that data. Such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read-Only Memory). Types of Memory - Primary Memory: stores data or information and programs temporarily, Ex.: RAM. - Secondary Memory (secondary storage devices): Permanently stores large amounts of data. Ex.: hard disk or a flash memory card or a CD-ROM - ROM Memory: where information is stored by the computer manufacturer. It is non-volatile and can not be changed. It is responsible for starting the computer. 7  Computer Memory Types RAM Memory ROM Memory Hard Disk Secondary storage devices 8  Components of Von Neumann Model 3- Central Processing Unit (CPU): Is the brain of the computer. It is also known as a processor (or microprocessor) and is responsible for executing instructions. It is composed of: a- The Arithmetic/ Logic Unit (ALU): performs mathematical operations (+, -, x, /, …) and logic operations (=, , and, or, not,...). b- The Control Unit: receives data from the user and translates it into signals that are delivered to the central data processor. 9  Components of Von Neumann Model 4- System bus is a pathway composed of cables and connectors used to carry data between a computer microprocessor and the main memory. provides a communication path for the data and control signals moving between the major components of the computer system. works using: Data Bus: Carries the data that needs processing Address Bus: Determines where data should be sent Control Bus: Determines data processing state 10  Motherboard Motherboard: also called the main board, it is the main circuit board of the system unit. It connects all hardware parts together on one board. Many electronic components are attached separately to the motherboard and others are built into it. 11