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Jean Johnson and Gregory Pawlson

Ensuring patient safety and healthcare quality is critical and should be a key focus of everyone in healthcare practice. This course provides healthcare practitioners and others with an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to lead patient safety and quality improvement initiatives at the micro and macro levels. Participants will explore the foundations of health care quality and the science underlying patient safety and quality improvement, design and select effective health care measures, analyze patient safety problems and processes using tools such as human factors analysis, apply systematic approaches including the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model to address quality improvement challenges, and learn strategies to lead a culture of change. The course takes a world view of patient safety and quality, linking participants to research and resources from the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Joint Commission and other international organizations. Course highlights include personal stories, lessons learned from other industries and interviews with the President of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and other leaders in quality movement.

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Ensuring patient safety and healthcare quality is critical and should be a key focus of everyone in healthcare practice. This course provides healthcare practitioners and others with an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to lead patient safety and quality improvement initiatives at the micro and macro levels. Participants will explore the foundations of health care quality and the science underlying patient safety and quality improvement, design and select effective health care measures, analyze patient safety problems and processes using tools such as human factors analysis, apply systematic approaches including the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model to address quality improvement challenges, and learn strategies to lead a culture of change. The course takes a world view of patient safety and quality, linking participants to research and resources from the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Joint Commission and other international organizations. Course highlights include personal stories, lessons learned from other industries and interviews with the President of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and other leaders in quality movement.

Pawlson, g. & Johnson, J. (2021). Advancing Health Care Quality: Protecting Patients, Improving Lives. DEStech Publications Inc.

About The George Washington University School of Nursing

Ranked among the top nursing schools by U.S. News & World Report, the George Washington University School of Nursing educates and inspires nurses to provide high-quality, compassionate person-centered health care. The school develops leaders actively engaged in health promotion, patient advocacy and healthcare innovation, and prepares exceptional nurse educators who pursue quality and advance the profession. The School of Nursing is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities locally, nationally and globally. The school values lifelong learning and its students advance nursing practice, leadership and education as they make a difference in the world.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Establishing a Framework for Quality & Safety
Welcome to Module 1! During this module, you'll learn about the current state of healthcare quality and safety in the US and globally, and the essential characteristics and expected outcomes of safe, high-quality healthcare. We'll also discuss the core elements of quality improvement, and the data needed to assess the safety and quality of care. Finally, we'll examine lessons learned from other industries & disciplines that can be applied to healthcare improvement efforts. We're looking forward to getting started!
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Safety as a First Principle of Quality
Welcome to Module 2! This week, we examine the criticality of patient safety to healthcare and the sciences underlying patient safety. You'll learn a model for systems engineering and a process for anticipating and addressing medical errors. You'll also learn about the importance of a just culture approach to medical error prevention.
Measures & Measurement
Welcome to Module 3! This week we delve into measures and measurement. You'll learn to apply the basic Donebedian framework for measuring quality in healthcare in terms of structure, process and outcomes. We'll discuss the key attributes of useful (good) healthcare measures and the core concepts of validity and reliability. You'll also learn the most critical elements to consider in choosing and applying a measure or measures to measurement in a given health care setting or situation, and the key characteristics of a measurement process that must be present to provide information that is a valid and useful reflection of quality of care.
Quality and Safety Improvement Science
Welcome to Module 4! This week you'll learn how to identify quality improvement opportunities and apply the PDSA cycle to address them. We'll also discuss the importance and benefits of team-based approaches to quality improvement, and the value of Health Information Technologies (HIT) and other innovations in improving health care quality.
Leadership for Quality & Safety
Welcome to Module 5! This week we explore the importance of leadership in supporting and advancing quality and safety at all levels of the healthcare organization. We'll discuss strategies that contribute to a quality culture in health care, and examine different models of organizational change that you can apply as you lead your own quality and safety initiatives.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Helps learners explore strategies and approaches that are common within industry
Examines methods and concepts that are core to health care
Introduces learners to the science and methods behind health care safety
Develops core skills critical to improving patient and care quality
Provides resources and tools from world leaders, including the WHO and Joint Commission
Covers topics such as team-based approaches to quality improvement
Taught by instructors who practice and lead in health services and quality
Core audience: Healthcare practitioners, nurses, doctors
Core audience: Patient safety and quality improvement personnel

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Reviews summary

Improving healthcare quality and safety

Learners describe this course on healthcare quality and safety as sufficiently informative and rich in resources. One learner even said it was the "best online course ever taken". While the course can be beneficial both to beginners and experienced individuals in the healthcare industry, it is highly recommended for those looking to start or advance a career in quality improvement, patient safety, or healthcare leadership. Students appreciated the course's informative video lectures, which include materials and recommended readings, as well as its emphasis on hands-on application and insightful discussions. Students found the well-structured modules loaded with valuable information. They provide a framework for action, equipping learners with practical tools and concepts to enhance quality and safety in healthcare settings. One student said the program gave them "confidence and knowledge to apply the same in the healthcare system to improve the quality and safety of the patient, as well as to the growth of an organization to achieve its goals." Another learner noted that it "has been very insightful and informative." They went on to say that the program "broadened [their] horizon and given [them] an excellent overview of the concept of Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety."
The course benefits from the expertise of knowledgeable and experienced instructors.
"The instructors are very knowledgeable, and the content is interesting and useful."
"I strongly suggest this course for those who want to improve healthcare."
Learners describe the course delivery as engaging and motivating.
"I enjoyed the course. I am more motivated to get things right with regards to patient safety and the quality of healthservices."
"It was very informative course and both the trainers gave examples and made learning and understanding the topic very well."
"It provides a good framework for people who are preparing to or currently involved in quality and safety programs."
"The course was very informative.Helpful to me for serving patients with better quality and safety.I would like to pursue more courses."
The course is supported by a range of readings, references, and links to external resources.
"The course content is excellent."
"Excellent online course and thank you for the excellent speakers."
"thank you so much for the course . It was very informative and interesting."
"Excellent course, Full Rich of information and Guidance on Improving healthcare quality, I am beginner in this field, Learnt a lot, Thanks Coursera and Speakers Gregory Pawlson &Jean Johnson"
The course highlights fundamental concepts in healthcare quality improvement and patient safety.
"It has been a very enlightening course for me. one looking for a career in this field must go for this course."
"A comprehensive, wonderful and top quality program for Quality and Patient safety professionals stuffed with a broad range of topics associated with patients safety and quality management principles."
"This class was excellent! The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and articulate."
"I have learnt a lot about how to improve and ensure better quality as a provider through this course."
The program goes beyond theory to prepare learners to apply their newfound knowledge in real-world healthcare quality and safety situations.
"Now the knowledge and understanding i gained from this course would definately help me to improve existing processes of my employer - healthcare sector."
"I really loved this course! I learnt a lot that I have to apply on a daily basis to my job e.g reporting near misses..."
"Am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best. The way of teaching is really so effective that learning is made simpler."
Some learners report encountering outdated readings, references, and links within course resources.
"A good course to have in depth knowledge of quality and safety required in healthcare."
"I would like to thank the course coordinator for the course its a very Good and Helpful course Thank you"
"I enjoyed every module in this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety with these activities:
Review foundational knowledge
Review and refresh the fundamentals of healthcare quality and patient safety to bridge gaps in knowledge and improve understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Patient Safety
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and learning outcomes to identify key concepts and areas for review.
  • Review textbooks, journal articles, or online resources on healthcare quality and patient safety.
  • Attend relevant webinars or workshops to enhance knowledge and refresh foundational concepts.
Review human factors and their influence on patient safety
Enhance your understanding of human factors and their influence on patient safety, which will strengthen your grasp of the course materials.
Browse courses on Human Factors
Show steps
  • Review key concepts of human factors, including ergonomics, cognitive psychology, and teamwork
  • Examine case studies of patient safety incidents caused by human factors
  • Reflect on your own experiences with human factors in healthcare settings
Organize and review course materials
Organizing and reviewing materials reinforces your understanding of the course content, making it easier to recall and apply the knowledge.
Show steps
  • Set up a system for organizing notes, readings, and assignments
  • Review materials regularly and summarize key points
  • Identify areas where further clarification or review is needed
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Organize Course Materials
Organize, expand on, and review notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to strengthen your foundational knowledge and understanding of the content
Show steps
  • Gather all materials from the course
  • Review materials and notes
  • Organize materials into a logical order
  • Highlight key concepts and terms
  • Create summaries or mind maps to reinforce understanding
Attend a workshop or webinar on patient safety and quality improvement
Attending workshops or webinars provides structured learning opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in patient safety and quality improvement.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops or webinars
  • Register and attend the event
  • Take notes and actively participate in discussions
Join a study group to discuss patient safety and quality improvement
Engaging in peer discussions fosters collaborative learning, deepens your understanding of patient safety and quality improvement, and allows you to share insights with others.
Show steps
  • Identify or form a study group with other course participants
  • Establish regular meeting times and communicate effectively
  • Take turns facilitating discussions and presenting different perspectives
Complete online exercises on patient safety and quality improvement tools
Regular practice with exercises reinforces your knowledge and skills in patient safety and quality improvement, making you more proficient in applying these principles.
Show steps
  • Access online platforms or resources that offer interactive exercises
  • Complete exercises on topics such as root cause analysis, risk assessment, and quality improvement methodologies
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement
Read and analyze the book "Improving Patient Safety" by Lucian Leape
Delving into a seminal work like "Improving Patient Safety" provides a deeper understanding of the history, theories, and best practices in patient safety.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts
  • Identify the main arguments and supporting evidence presented by the author
  • Reflect on the implications of the book for your own practice
Develop a quality improvement plan for a specific healthcare process
Applying your knowledge to a practical project solidifies your understanding of quality improvement principles and provides valuable experience in implementing change.
Show steps
  • Identify a healthcare process that needs improvement
  • Conduct a needs assessment and gather data
  • Develop a quality improvement plan with specific goals, interventions, and evaluation measures
  • Implement the plan and monitor its progress
  • Evaluate the outcomes and make necessary adjustments
Develop a patient safety or quality improvement presentation
Creating a presentation allows you to synthesize your knowledge, communicate your ideas effectively, and demonstrate your understanding of patient safety and quality improvement principles.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic related to patient safety or quality improvement
  • Research and gather relevant data and evidence
  • Develop a logical flow and structure for your presentation
  • Create visual aids and supporting materials
  • Practice your presentation and receive feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Quality Manager
A Healthcare Quality Manager is a well-rounded career that combines the knowledge of public health with business. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating quality management activities. The skills you will learn in the Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course from The George Washington University will help you excel in this role. This course provides you with a foundation for the knowledge and skills needed to lead patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.
Quality Assurance Analyst
As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will be responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. You will need to have a strong understanding of quality assurance principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can help by providing you with a solid foundation in these principles and practices. This course will also provide you with the skills you need to identify and resolve quality issues.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization. This role requires a deep understanding of risk management principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can provide you with this foundation. This course will also help you develop the skills you need to effectively manage risks in a healthcare setting.
Patient Safety Officer
Patient Safety Officers are responsible for developing and implementing patient safety programs. This role requires a strong understanding of patient safety principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course from The George Washington University can provide you with this foundation. This course will also help you develop the skills you need to effectively lead patient safety initiatives.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including quality improvement, risk management, and patient safety. This role requires a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and a strong foundation in quality improvement principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can provide you with this foundation. This course will also help you develop the skills you need to effectively consult with healthcare organizations.
Medical Director
Medical Directors are responsible for providing medical leadership to a healthcare organization. This role requires a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and a strong foundation in quality improvement principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course from The George Washington University can provide you with this foundation. This course will also help you develop the skills you need to effectively lead a healthcare organization.
Nurse Manager
Nurse Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a nursing unit. This role requires a strong understanding of nursing principles and practices, as well as a strong foundation in quality improvement principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can help provide you with this foundation. This course can also provide you with the skills you need to effectively manage a nursing unit.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. This role requires a strong foundation in medical knowledge and a deep understanding of patient care principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can help provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care and work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals. This role requires a strong foundation in nursing principles and practices, as well as a deep understanding of patient care principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can help provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course can also provide you with the skills you need to effectively care for patients.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide medication counseling to patients. This role requires a strong foundation in pharmacy principles and practices, as well as a deep understanding of patient care principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can help provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course can also provide you with the skills you need to effectively counsel patients and dispense medications.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate health policies. This role requires a strong understanding of the healthcare industry and a deep understanding of health policy principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course can help provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course can also provide you with the skills you need to effectively research, analyze, and evaluate health policies.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems. This role requires a strong foundation in public health principles and practices, as well as a deep understanding of epidemiology principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course may provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course may also provide you with the skills you need to effectively investigate the causes of disease and other health problems.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of communities by providing education, counseling, and other services. This role requires a strong foundation in public health principles and practices, as well as a deep understanding of nursing principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course may provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course may also provide you with the skills needed to effectively work to improve the health of communities.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement health education programs. This role requires a strong foundation in public health principles and practices, as well as a deep understanding of health education principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course may provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course may also provide you with the skills needed to effectively develop and implement health education programs.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide counseling and support to individuals and families. This role requires a strong foundation in social work principles and practices, including mental health principles and practices. The Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety course may provide you with a foundation in these principles and practices. This course may also provide you with the skills you need to effectively provide counseling and support to individuals and families.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Leading Healthcare Quality and Safety.
This website provides resources on healthcare accreditation and quality improvement.
This website provides resources on public health, including patient safety and quality improvement.
This website provides resources on drug and device safety.

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