Computer Technology for Health Professionals : A Guide to Effective Use and Best Practices

The second edition of Computer Technology for Health Professionals: A Guide to Effective Use and Best Practices bridges the “why” and the “how” of desktop computer technology. This introductory book provides easy to understand explanations of commonly used desktop hardware and software technology within the context of its use in the fields of clinical healthcare and public health practice. Step-by-step instruction on the use of software tools is included, as well as an emphasis on best practices for their use in healthcare and public health organizations. 

Topics include legal issues for computer users in health-related fields, hardware, software, malware, electronic spreadsheets, data visualization, and relational database management using Microsoft Office. The book also addresses health-related literature research using literature databases, as well as web search engines, with a focus on assessing the scientific validity of health information found online. 

Readers will also learn about Boolean Logic as it is applied to relational databases and online literature searches, organizational decision-making for the selection and purchase of software, as well as Geographic Information Systems. Each chapter features an “Apply Your Knowledge” section with hands-on exercises that allow readers to immediately implement concepts and skills. 

Computer Technology for Health Professionals is a common sense approach to using both hardware and software. The book is written for introductory courses in computer proficiency in the fields of the health sciences and public health. Practicing professionals can use the text as a refresher or to bolster skills in specific computer applications.

PowerPoints available upon instructor adoption. Additional online content is available for adoption through the Cognella Active Learning imprint. It includes quizzes, flashcards, learning objectives, and assignments. Please contact the publisher for access to all instructor resources.

Elio Spinello, M.P.H., Ed.D. is a partner in RPM Consulting, LLC, which provides research, training, software development, and technology-based decision support services to a variety of organizations. Dr. Spinello holds an Ed.D. in educational technology from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where he is an adjunct professor in the Education Division. He also teaches at California State University, Northridge and serves as the technology coordinator for the CSUN College of Health and Human Development.