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Helen Abdali Soosan Fagan and Susan Sapp

Leading organizational change can be a challenge for anyone. Doing so in a large, heavily-regulated environment such as healthcare without the proper tools to develop, coach, and mentor employees is a recipe for failure. Such dynamic environments call for skilled, strong leaders to guide the way and develop successful, functional teams.

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Leading organizational change can be a challenge for anyone. Doing so in a large, heavily-regulated environment such as healthcare without the proper tools to develop, coach, and mentor employees is a recipe for failure. Such dynamic environments call for skilled, strong leaders to guide the way and develop successful, functional teams.

Learn foundational skills critical to leaders, including communication skills, coaching, mentoring, negotiation, and motivation theory. This course will also explore team development through facilitation and collaboration. Assess your personal style of leadership by learning more about strengths and areas of improvement. This course will also focus on practical strategic thinking practices, leadership theories and leadership style development, and how leadership style can be used to think and act strategically.

To be an effective agent of change, a healthcare administrator must have a foundational understanding of healthcare advocacy, law, and regulatory issues, as well as compliance. This course will focus on a wide range of important issues in health law, health policy and the factors at play when developing a strategic advocacy platform such as bioethics and informed consent. At the conclusion of this course, learners will be able to identify health policies that promote quality, advocacy and system change within a healthcare organization.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How individual development, including communication skills, coaching, mentoring, negotiation, and motivation theory, works within a leadership role.
  • Examine team development through the topics of facilitation and collaboration.
  • Analyze individual strengths and areas of improvement within leadership.
  • Assess your personal style of leadership.
  • Describe practical strategic thinking practices and leadership theories.
  • Evaluate how leadership style can be used to think and act strategically.
  • Discuss health law.
  • Explain physician-patient relations within a legal context.
  • Interpret laws that shape access to health care.
  • Explore informed consent for medical treatment.
  • Evaluate medical malpractice suits within healthcare systems.
  • Inspect the utilization of bioethics in healthcare.
  • Describe methods for advocating in healthcare systems.
  • Identify culturally competent advocacy strategies.
  • Assess a health policy change that promotes quality, advocacy and system change.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Meets the foundational requirements for leaders, offering practical guidance for developing communication, coaching, mentoring, negotiation, and motivation skills within healthcare settings
Provides a deep dive into team development, exploring principles of facilitation and collaboration for building successful and collaborative teams in healthcare
Enhances participants' self-awareness and understanding of their personal leadership style, providing insights for personal and professional growth
Introduces practical strategic thinking practices and explores a range of leadership theories, enabling participants to develop their strategic thinking capabilities
Provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare law, policy, and advocacy, equipping participants with a strong foundation for navigating the complex legal landscape of healthcare
Focuses on the critical role of advocacy in healthcare systems, empowering participants to develop effective strategies for promoting positive change and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare

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Reviews summary

Leadership and policy for healthcare professionals

According to students, this course offers a highly relevant and insightful blend of leadership development and critical healthcare policy, particularly for professionals in regulated environments. Recent feedback highlights its practical strategic thinking practices, well-structured modules on health law and compliance, and thorough exploration of bioethics and informed consent. Many find the assignments engaging and applicable. While largely positive, some past learners indicated the course is extensive, occasionally feeling rushed in complex legal areas or requiring significant self-study due to dense readings. A minor split on the policy section's hands-on applicability is noted.
Opinions vary on hands-on application in the policy modules.
"Too much theory, not enough practical application for the healthcare policy part. I was expecting more direct tools for policy implementation."
"I found the strategic policy development section particularly relevant and introduced new frameworks."
"The health policy segments were informative, though I felt some of the case studies were a bit outdated."
Instructor demonstrates expertise, though feedback could improve.
"I particularly appreciated the real-world case studies and the instructor's deep expertise."
"The instructor was knowledgeable, but feedback on assignments could have been more detailed."
"The lectures were clear and concise, making complex topics accessible."
Assignments and case studies enhance practical learning.
"The assignments were thought-provoking and pushed me to apply the concepts."
"I particularly appreciated the real-world case studies and the instructor's deep expertise."
"The interactive nature of the assignments and case studies made learning enjoyable and practical."
Covers leadership, health law, and policy extensively.
"A strong course overall, covering a wide range of topics from leadership styles to bioethics."
"The deep dive into informed consent and medical malpractice was thorough."
"Comprehensive course that touches upon critical aspects of leadership and health administration."
"The content on bioethics and informed consent was particularly strong and well-explained."
Directly applicable to leadership in healthcare settings.
"This course was incredibly insightful, especially the practical aspects of leading change in healthcare."
"The strategic thinking practices were directly applicable."
"I found the strategic policy development section particularly relevant, reaffirming existing practices."
"The blend of leadership development and healthcare policy is unique and highly relevant, filling a critical gap."
Extensive content sometimes sacrifices depth in complex areas.
"While the breadth is good, some areas felt a bit rushed, especially the more complex legal concepts."
"The course content is extensive, perhaps too much so for the given timeframe... requires significant self-study."
"A decent course, but I felt it tried to cover too much ground. Some parts felt superficial."
"The readings were extensive, and it was hard to keep up without dedicating significant extra time."

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 Leadership and Administrative Policy with these activities:
Review Healthcare Law and Regulations
Brush up on the legal and regulatory framework of healthcare to better understand the context of this course.
Browse courses on Healthcare Law
Show steps
  • Review key healthcare laws, such as HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act.
  • Explore case studies and precedents related to healthcare law.
  • Discuss ethical issues in healthcare with peers or mentors.
Explore Best Practices in Physician-Patient Communication
Enhance your communication skills to effectively connect with patients and foster meaningful relationships
Browse courses on Health Literacy
Show steps
  • Find online resources or courses on physician-patient communication
  • Review case studies and examples of effective communication in healthcare
  • Practice active listening and empathy skills in patient interactions
  • Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors to improve your communication style
Practice test questions online
Reinforce your understanding of leadership theories and develop valuable skills through repetition
Browse courses on Leadership Skills
Show steps
  • Access practice test questions online
  • Allocate time to complete the practice test questions
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Team Facilitation Practice
Engage in collaborative group exercises to practice facilitating and leading teams effectively.
Browse courses on Team Facilitation
Show steps
  • Participate in mock team meetings and present ideas.
  • Receive feedback from peers on facilitation skills and leadership style.
  • Reflect on personal strengths and areas for improvement in team leadership.
Practice Facilitation Techniques
Develop proficiency in facilitating team discussions and managing group dynamics to foster productive meetings
Browse courses on Team Facilitation
Show steps
  • Identify a group or team that requires facilitation
  • Lead a meeting or workshop, applying facilitation techniques
  • Observe experienced facilitators to learn best practices
  • Reflect on your facilitation experience and identify areas for improvement
Review Legal Aspects of Healthcare: HIPAA, Informed Consent, and Medical Malpractice
Strengthen your understanding of legal frameworks and ethical principles in healthcare
Browse courses on Health Law
Show steps
  • Access online resources or webinars on health law and ethics
  • Review legal cases and court rulings related to healthcare
  • Attend workshops or training sessions on HIPAA compliance
  • Consult with legal counsel to clarify specific legal questions or scenarios
Attend Healthcare Communication Skills Workshop
Engage with experts, practice effective communication, and enhance your ability to connect with patients and colleagues
Show steps
  • Find and register for a Healthcare Communication Skills Workshop
  • Attend all sessions of the workshop
  • Participate actively in discussions and exercises
  • Apply the skills learned in your healthcare interactions
Study Bioethics Case Studies Online
Explore ethical issues in healthcare through case studies to develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities
Browse courses on Bioethics
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online resources for bioethics case studies
  • Choose case studies that resonate with your interests or career goals
  • Review the case studies carefully, taking notes on key ethical issues
  • Analyze the cases, considering different perspectives and ethical frameworks
Simulate Negotiations with Stakeholders
Develop practical negotiation skills to navigate complex discussions and reach mutually acceptable agreements
Browse courses on Negotiation Skills
Show steps
  • Identify a negotiation scenario relevant to your healthcare role
  • Research best practices for negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Role-play negotiation scenarios with a colleague or mentor
  • Reflect on your negotiation experience and identify areas for improvement
Advanced Advocacy Techniques
Explore online resources and tutorials to enhance your knowledge of advocacy strategies within healthcare systems.
Show steps
  • Identify and engage with advocacy organizations and experts.
  • Develop and execute an advocacy campaign plan.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
Volunteer at a Healthcare Advocacy Organization
Gain firsthand experience in advocating for patients and improving healthcare systems
Show steps
  • Identify healthcare advocacy organizations in your area
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Volunteer for projects or events aligned with your interests
  • Attend trainings and workshops offered by the organization
Create a Strategic Action Plan for Healthcare Improvement
Develop a comprehensive plan to drive positive change and improve the quality of healthcare
Browse courses on Strategic Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify a specific healthcare issue or challenge
  • Conduct a needs assessment to gather data and insights
  • Develop goals, objectives, and strategies to address the issue
  • Create a plan for implementation and evaluation
  • Present your plan to stakeholders and secure buy-in

Career center

Learners who complete Leadership and Administrative Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Administrator
A Healthcare Administrator is a professional who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility, ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently. This course can be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Healthcare Administration as it provides a foundation in leadership, policy, and healthcare law.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a physician and provide a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing minor surgeries, and prescribing medications. This course may be useful for Physician Assistants as it provides a foundation in leadership, communication, and medical ethics.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Project Management as it provides a foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and team development.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies for government agencies and other organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Policy Analysis as it provides a foundation in policy development, advocacy, and healthcare law.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice and support on a wide range of issues, including leadership, strategy, and operations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Management Consulting as it provides a foundation in leadership, strategic thinking, and team development.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts research, develop, and analyze policies related to healthcare, often for government agencies or non-profit organizations. This course provides a foundation in health law, policy, and advocacy, making it useful for those interested in a career in health policy.
Medical Ethicist
Medical Ethicists analyze and provide guidance on the ethical issues that arise in healthcare, such as end-of-life care, patient autonomy, and resource allocation. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Medical Ethics as it provides a foundation in healthcare law, ethics, and policy.
Healthcare Financial Manager
Healthcare Financial Managers are responsible for the financial planning, budgeting, and management of healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Healthcare Finance as it provides a foundation in healthcare law, policy, and financial management.
Nonprofit Administrator
Nonprofit Administrators are responsible for the overall management of nonprofit organizations, including planning, fundraising, and program development. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Nonprofit Administration as it provides a foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and advocacy.
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives, often within healthcare or social service organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in program management as it provides a foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and project management.
Research Analyst
Research Analysts conduct research on a wide range of topics, including healthcare, public policy, and market trends. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in research as it provides a foundation in research methods, data analysis, and communication.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges, often in healthcare or social service settings. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in social work as it provides a foundation in communication, counseling, and advocacy.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants provide advice and support to healthcare organizations on a wide range of issues, including leadership, strategy, and operations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in Healthcare Consulting as it provides a foundation in healthcare law, policy, and strategic thinking.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement programs and initiatives to promote health and prevent disease within communities. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in health education as it provides a foundation in communication, advocacy, and community outreach.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists represent the interests of organizations or individuals before government officials in order to influence policy decisions. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career in lobbying as it provides a foundation in policy analysis, advocacy, and communication.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Leadership and Administrative Policy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, covering topics such as the coverage expansions, the insurance exchanges, and the new taxes and penalties. It valuable resource for healthcare providers looking to understand the impact of the ACA on their businesses.
Explores the future of healthcare, discussing topics such as the rise of personalized medicine, the use of artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on the patient experience. It valuable resource for healthcare leaders looking to understand the future of their industry.
Provides a framework for understanding the challenges facing healthcare leaders in today's rapidly changing environment. It valuable resource for healthcare administrators and leaders looking to understand the impact of new technologies on their businesses.
Provides a guide to developing and implementing effective strategies. It valuable resource for healthcare leaders looking to improve their strategic planning skills.
Provides a guide to using the lean startup methodology to develop and launch new products and services. It valuable resource for healthcare entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses.
Explores the culture of high-performing groups. It valuable resource for healthcare leaders looking to create a more positive and productive work environment.
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Provides a new understanding of motivation. It valuable resource for healthcare leaders looking to motivate their teams to perform at their best.
Provides a guide to becoming more effective in all areas of your life. It valuable resource for healthcare leaders looking to improve their personal and professional skills.

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