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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/7dwy4p/leading
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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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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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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Practical foundations in healthcare quality
According to learners, this course provides a strong foundational understanding of healthcare quality and safety concepts. Students widely report that the course offers practical tools and relevant strategies, such as the PDSA cycle and human factors analysis, which they can immediately apply in their professional roles. The course content is considered highly relevant to current healthcare challenges, with engaging lectures and well-structured modules. While many find it an excellent overview, some students note it is introductory and might require further study for advanced practitioners.
Better suited for beginners; may lack depth for experts.
"While it's a great foundation, I feel like it could go a bit deeper into specific methodologies. Overall, a valuable course for professionals."
"It's probably best suited for those new to formal quality improvement concepts. Experienced professionals might find it a bit basic."
"Solid foundational course... doesn't delve into advanced techniques."
"I was hoping for more depth. It feels like a high-level overview... Maybe I had higher expectations based on the 'Leading' part of the title."
Modules are clear, lectures and videos are informative.
"The lectures were engaging and the readings were relevant."
"The modules are well-structured."
"The videos were informative, and I appreciated the interviews with leaders in the field."
"Fantastic course! It breaks down complex topics into understandable modules."
"Well-structured and easy to follow."
Content is current and pertinent to healthcare roles.
"The readings were relevant."
"Highly relevant and practical! The course material is current..."
"The material is highly relevant to today's healthcare environment."
"Material is relevant."
Excellent introduction to quality and safety concepts.
"This course provides an excellent introduction to the concepts of quality and safety in healthcare."
"A solid overview of healthcare quality and safety. It covers the essential frameworks and tools."
"Fantastic course! It breaks down complex topics into understandable modules. Great foundation for anyone working in healthcare..."
"Solid foundational course. Covers the necessary ground. Lectures are clear."
Provides tools and strategies for immediate use.
"This course provides an excellent introduction... I found the modules on PDSA cycles and human factors analysis particularly useful."
"Highly relevant and practical! ... This course has already impacted how I approach safety issues at my hospital."
"The tools presented are directly applicable. Great foundation for anyone working in healthcare aiming to improve quality."
"Excellent content and delivery. The focus on practical application... was invaluable. Highly recommend for healthcare practitioners."
"Provided practical tools and frameworks... Applicable concepts. Well-structured and easy to follow."
Some parts felt rushed, could use more interaction.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, and I wish there were more interactive elements or assignments to solidify learning."
"The readings were extensive but sometimes repetitive."
"Some concepts were mentioned without sufficient practical examples or deeper exploration."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Review foundational knowledge
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Organizing and reviewing materials reinforces your understanding of the course content, making it easier to recall and apply the knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Organize, expand on, and review notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to strengthen your foundational knowledge and understanding of the content
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Attending workshops or webinars provides structured learning opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in patient safety and quality improvement.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Applying your knowledge to a practical project solidifies your understanding of quality improvement principles and provides valuable experience in implementing change.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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 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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7dwy4p/leading
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 global health, including patient safety and quality improvement.
This website provides resources on patient safety, including case studies, white papers, and toolkits.
This website provides resources on healthcare accreditation and quality improvement.
This website provides resources on healthcare research, including patient safety and quality improvement.
Save
This website provides resources on public health, including patient safety and quality improvement.
This website provides resources on drug and device safety.
This website provides resources on workplace safety and health.
This website provides resources on healthcare quality, including measures, standards, and guidelines.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7dwy4p/leading
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 1-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The George Washington University
Instructors
Jean Johnson
Gregory Pawlson
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
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