Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Technology Management

This programme addresses the needs of many developing countries, and specifically the Sub-Saharan Region, for capacity development in the area of healthcare technology management (HTM), with due cognisance of organisational, logistical and individual learner constraints.

1. For the individual, the programme aims to (i) provide learners with appropriate knowledge and competencies thereby empowering them as HTM practitioners, (ii) instil into learners a culture of life-long learning and sustained professional development and (iii) integrate learners into international and regional network of HTM practitioners using the Internet as the facilitating medium.
2. For the field, the programme aims to (i) build HTM capacity in the Region at all levels of the health system, (ii) advance awareness of the field of HTM, (iii) develop regional and national HTM guidelines, frameworks and resources and (iv) support and conduct applied research addressing the needs of the Region.
3. For the society, the programme aims to contribute to the achievement of accessible, equitable, efficient and quality health service delivery, specifically through the management of affordable, appropriate, cost-effective and sustainable healthcare technology interventions.

Prior accredited learning

Preferably a university degree or national higher diploma in either the health sciences or engineering fields, with generic competencies such as analytical ability, critical thinking, proficiency in English and computer literacy.

Prior experiential/work-based learning

Good knowledge of the healthcare environment (minimum of 5 years exposure) and competencies in a specific area of healthcare technology management.

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.

First degree: Any, preferably in health sciences or engineering.

Recognition of prior learning

Work/field experience (min of 5 years, preferably)

State specific addition requirements

Proven proficiency in English, computer literacy.

a) Critical cross-field outcomes (generic to all teaching and learning)

Ability to

1. Collect, organise, analyse and critically evaluate literature and other information.
2. Work/function effectively as a member of a team or group.
3. Communicate effectively.
4. Use technology effectively and critically.
5. Explore self-improvement and career/entrepreneurial opportunities.

b) General outcomes (contextually demonstrated general knowledge, skills and values of the programme)

c) Specific outcomes (Including professional outcomes, contextually demonstrated)

Final exit-level outcomes

Healthcare technology manager (specialist or generalist), policy maker or maintenance director

Intermediate exit-level outcome

Healthcare technology manager with specific competencies dependent on the courses/modules completed.

The graduate will have the following

Ability to identify, assess, implement and monitor appropriate management interventions to optimise - within environmental constraints - the assessment, planning, acquisition, utilisation, maintenance and regulation of healthcare technologies in different service delivery environments.

1.1 Evidence of structured search/review, including identification of key references/sources.

1.2 Critical evaluation of current information/knowledge, including extent of applicability and gaps.

1.3 Synthesis of material into a cohesive framework.

1.4 Concise and clear conclusions of search/review.

1.1 Evidence of active participation and integration (socially and functionally) in group/team activities.

1.2 Awareness of socio-cultural factors and their impact.

1.3 Evidence of cultural, gender, race and aesthetic sensitivity.

1.1 Evidence of applied competence in oral presentation and written reporting using visual, conceptual and language skills.

1.2 Awareness of different dissemination and advocacy strategies.

1.1 Awareness of technology options, implications and constraints.

1.2 Applied competence in selected technologies, including design and implementation of appropriate information databases.

1.3 Awareness of technology life-cycle, support and package issues.

5.1 Awareness of options, resources and strategies for learning and professional advancement.

5.2 Awareness of opportunities and resources for self-esteem enhancement and life-skills development.

5.3 Drafting a business plan.

Same as above.

Applied competence in the following

1. Evaluating health technology-related data & information resources.
2. Designing, implementing and assessing a healthcare technology situational analysis/audit (including identification of operational & strategic requirements and organisational & environmental constraints).
3. Identifying appropriate (health) technology assessment resources and developing a "minimum requirement" technology assessment strategy.
4. Formulating a draft healthcare technology policy and associated implementation strategy (including option appraisal/evaluation, priority-setting & planning, resource allocation & budgeting and specification of regulatory needs & mechanisms).
5. Identifying essential health technology packages (EHTP) for selected services at specified levels of healthcare delivery.
6. Preparing standard specifications and determining costs-of-ownership for selected healthcare technologies.
7. Evaluating different acquisition/procurement strategies & methods and associated decision-making processes.
8. Developing context-sensitive performance indicators & strategies for cost-effective & sustainable utilisation & maintenance of healthcare technologies and related human resources and physical infrastructure.
9. Formulating management interventions using project management techniques (including time- and resource scheduling, budgeting/costing, risk management and reporting) with due attention to appropriateness, affordability and implementation issues.
10. Designing appropriate information systems, databases and associated management tools.

Integrated assessment

Combination of self-assessment, class discussions, peer review, literature review and case-study analysis, seminar presentations, individual- and group assignments, tutorials, tests, examinations (written and oral), employer (work-place) assessment. Weights differ from course to course.

Project proposal and dissertation.