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Don Goldmann,
Dave Williams,
and
Don Berwick
Developed through a collaboration between HarvardX and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, PH 556x: Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A roadmap for getting results will provide learners with the valuable skills and simple, well-tested tools they need to translate promising innovations or evidence into practice. A group of expert faculty will explore a scientific approach to improvement a practical, rigorous methodology that includes a theory of change, measurable aims, and iterative, incremental small tests of change to determine if improvement concepts can be implemented effectively in practice. Faculty will present this science through the lens of improving health and health care, but will also share examples of how improvement can (and does) influence our daily lives.
Read more
Developed through a collaboration between HarvardX and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, PH 556x: Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A roadmap for getting results will provide learners with the valuable skills and simple, well-tested tools they need to translate promising innovations or evidence into practice. A group of expert faculty will explore a scientific approach to improvement a practical, rigorous methodology that includes a theory of change, measurable aims, and iterative, incremental small tests of change to determine if improvement concepts can be implemented effectively in practice. Faculty will present this science through the lens of improving health and health care, but will also share examples of how improvement can (and does) influence our daily lives.
Read more
Developed through a collaboration between HarvardX and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, PH 556x: Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A roadmap for getting results will provide learners with the valuable skills and simple, well-tested tools they need to translate promising innovations or evidence into practice. A group of expert faculty will explore a scientific approach to improvement a practical, rigorous methodology that includes a theory of change, measurable aims, and iterative, incremental small tests of change to determine if improvement concepts can be implemented effectively in practice. Faculty will present this science through the lens of improving health and health care, but will also share examples of how improvement can (and does) influence our daily lives.
Each week, learners will dive into engaging, interactive materials and relevant resources to start building an improvement toolkit that will serve them long after the seven-week course ends. Learners will immediately put their new skills to the test as they work each week on a personal improvement project that will show them the power of the science that has improved healthcare and other industries around the world for decades.
The only prerequisite for the course is curiosity, but the reward is a lifetime of improvement.
In support of improving patient care, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity has also been approved by the National Association for Healthcare Quality for CPHQ CE credit. If you are interested in earning CEUs for this course, please visit www.IHI.org/PH556X to see the options and steps required prior to enrolling or taking any action on edX.
This collaboration between the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and HarvardX will teach you the skills and tools of improvement science to make positive changes in health, healthcare, and your daily life.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/u2s1wg/practical
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Why improvement science is valuable in health, and health care, and daily life.
- Why understanding a system is critical to improving a process.
- The value of conducting iterative tests of change.
- How an improvement project evolves into reliable, standard work.
- How to design and execute a personal improvement project, including an aim, measures, and tests of change.
- How interprofessional teams come together to do successful improvement work.
- Why improvement science is valuable in health, and health care, and daily life.
- Why understanding a system is critical to improving a process.
- The value of conducting iterative tests of change.
- How an improvement project evolves into reliable, standard work.
- How to design and execute a personal improvement project, including an aim, measures, and tests of change.
- How interprofessional teams come together to do successful improvement work.
Syllabus
Lesson 1: What is the Science of Improvement?
Lesson 2: Applying the Model for Improvement
Lesson 3: Introduction to Measurement for Improvement
Read more
Syllabus
Lesson 1: What is the Science of Improvement?
Lesson 2: Applying the Model for Improvement
Lesson 3: Introduction to Measurement for Improvement
Read more
Lesson 4: Practical Tools that Support Improvement (including a seven-piece toolkit)
Lesson 5: Using Systems Principles to Spread Improvement
Lesson 6: Working within Interprofessional Teams
Lesson 7: Implementing Sustainable Improvement Work
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Applies the well-established Model for Improvement
Taught by instructors recognized for their work in healthcare improvement
Developed through a collaboration between HarvardX and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Provides continuing education for the healthcare team
Teaches a practical, rigorous methodology
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in improvement science
Save this course
Save Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A Roadmap for Getting Results to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
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 Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A Roadmap for Getting Results with these
activities:
Review principles of quality improvement
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of quality improvement principles to enhance your understanding of improvement science concepts.
Browse courses on
Quality Improvement
Show steps
-
Read articles or review materials on quality improvement methodologies.
-
Reflect on how these principles apply to healthcare delivery.
Review statistical concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in statistical concepts to enhance data analysis and interpretation in improvement projects.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Review the basics of probability, sampling, and hypothesis testing.
-
Practice applying statistical methods to healthcare data.
Connect with healthcare professionals practicing improvement science
Show steps
Expand your network and gain insights by connecting with experienced healthcare professionals who apply improvement science.
Show steps
-
Identify healthcare professionals or organizations known for their work in improvement science.
-
Reach out to potential mentors, expressing your interest in their expertise.
-
Set up meetings to discuss improvement science principles and applications.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Follow tutorials on improvement science
Show steps
Enhance your grasp of improvement science through guided tutorials, reinforcing core concepts and practical applications.
Show steps
-
Locate reputable online tutorials on improvement science.
-
Set aside dedicated time to follow the tutorials, taking notes and actively engaging with the material.
-
Seek clarifications and ask questions if needed to deepen your understanding.
Engage in peer review of improvement projects
Show steps
Gain valuable feedback and insights by sharing and discussing improvement project proposals with peers.
Show steps
-
Organize a peer review session with classmates or colleagues.
-
Present your improvement project proposal, explaining the rationale, objectives, and methods.
-
Actively listen to feedback, ask clarifying questions, and incorporate constructive suggestions.
Compile a resource guide on improvement science
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of improvement science by organizing relevant resources and tools.
Show steps
-
Gather articles, books, websites, and other materials on improvement science.
-
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or relevance.
-
Create an annotated bibliography or resource list for future reference.
Develop an improvement project proposal
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of key improvement science principles by creating a comprehensive proposal for an improvement project.
Show steps
-
Define the problem statement and identify the specific area of focus.
-
Articulate a clear aim, measurable objectives, and specific interventions.
-
Develop a plan for data collection, analysis, and evaluation of progress.
-
Consider potential barriers and develop mitigation strategies.
Conduct iterative tests of change
Show steps
Develop practical skills in conducting iterative tests of change, a cornerstone of improvement science, to drive real-world impact.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific area for improvement in your work or personal life.
-
Design and implement a small test of change, observing the outcomes.
-
Analyze the results, make adjustments, and iterate the test, refining your approach based on data.
Participate in a healthcare improvement initiative
Show steps
Apply the principles of improvement science in a real-world setting by volunteering for a healthcare improvement initiative.
Show steps
-
Identify a healthcare organization or initiative that aligns with your interests.
-
Reach out to the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
-
Engage in hands-on activities, contributing to data collection, process analysis, or stakeholder engagement.
Review principles of quality improvement
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of quality improvement principles to enhance your understanding of improvement science concepts.
Browse courses on
Quality Improvement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles or review materials on quality improvement methodologies.
- Reflect on how these principles apply to healthcare delivery.
Review statistical concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in statistical concepts to enhance data analysis and interpretation in improvement projects.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basics of probability, sampling, and hypothesis testing.
- Practice applying statistical methods to healthcare data.
Connect with healthcare professionals practicing improvement science
Show steps
Expand your network and gain insights by connecting with experienced healthcare professionals who apply improvement science.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify healthcare professionals or organizations known for their work in improvement science.
- Reach out to potential mentors, expressing your interest in their expertise.
- Set up meetings to discuss improvement science principles and applications.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Follow tutorials on improvement science
Show steps
Enhance your grasp of improvement science through guided tutorials, reinforcing core concepts and practical applications.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate reputable online tutorials on improvement science.
- Set aside dedicated time to follow the tutorials, taking notes and actively engaging with the material.
- Seek clarifications and ask questions if needed to deepen your understanding.
Engage in peer review of improvement projects
Show steps
Gain valuable feedback and insights by sharing and discussing improvement project proposals with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize a peer review session with classmates or colleagues.
- Present your improvement project proposal, explaining the rationale, objectives, and methods.
- Actively listen to feedback, ask clarifying questions, and incorporate constructive suggestions.
Compile a resource guide on improvement science
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of improvement science by organizing relevant resources and tools.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather articles, books, websites, and other materials on improvement science.
- Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or relevance.
- Create an annotated bibliography or resource list for future reference.
Develop an improvement project proposal
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of key improvement science principles by creating a comprehensive proposal for an improvement project.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the problem statement and identify the specific area of focus.
- Articulate a clear aim, measurable objectives, and specific interventions.
- Develop a plan for data collection, analysis, and evaluation of progress.
- Consider potential barriers and develop mitigation strategies.
Conduct iterative tests of change
Show steps
Develop practical skills in conducting iterative tests of change, a cornerstone of improvement science, to drive real-world impact.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific area for improvement in your work or personal life.
- Design and implement a small test of change, observing the outcomes.
- Analyze the results, make adjustments, and iterate the test, refining your approach based on data.
Participate in a healthcare improvement initiative
Show steps
Apply the principles of improvement science in a real-world setting by volunteering for a healthcare improvement initiative.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a healthcare organization or initiative that aligns with your interests.
- Reach out to the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
- Engage in hands-on activities, contributing to data collection, process analysis, or stakeholder engagement.
Career center
Learners who complete Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A Roadmap for Getting Results will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants help healthcare organizations improve their performance and quality of care. They use their knowledge of healthcare systems, processes, and best practices to identify areas for improvement and develop and implement solutions. This course provides Healthcare Consultants with the skills and tools they need to effectively identify and address challenges within healthcare organizations. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for measuring and evaluating improvement efforts.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the delivery of healthcare services. This course provides Healthcare Administrators with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage healthcare organizations. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for implementing and evaluating improvement initiatives.
Quality Improvement Manager
Quality Improvement Manager
Quality Improvement Managers are responsible for developing and implementing quality improvement programs within healthcare organizations. They work with clinicians and other healthcare professionals to identify areas for improvement and develop and implement solutions. This course provides Quality Improvement Managers with the skills and tools they need to effectively lead quality improvement initiatives. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for measuring and evaluating improvement efforts.
Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Policy Analysts research and analyze healthcare policies and their impact on the healthcare system. They use their findings to develop recommendations for improving the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services. This course provides Healthcare Policy Analysts with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively analyze healthcare policies and develop evidence-based recommendations. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for measuring and evaluating the impact of policy changes.
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret healthcare data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to develop insights that can help healthcare organizations improve the quality and efficiency of their services. This course provides Healthcare Data Analysts with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage and analyze healthcare data. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for using data to drive improvement efforts.
Healthcare Project Manager
Healthcare Project Manager
Healthcare Project Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare projects. They work with clinicians, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides Healthcare Project Managers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage healthcare projects. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating healthcare projects.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinators manage the day-to-day operations of clinical research studies. They work with researchers, clinicians, and patients to ensure that studies are conducted according to protocol and that data is collected and managed accurately. This course provides Clinical Research Coordinators with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage clinical research studies. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for managing clinical research projects.
Healthcare Educator
Healthcare Educator
Healthcare Educators develop and deliver educational programs for healthcare professionals and patients. They work to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals and to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health. This course provides Healthcare Educators with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively develop and deliver educational programs. It provides a framework for understanding and improving healthcare systems, as well as practical tools for designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications. This course may be useful for Physician Assistants who are interested in developing their skills in quality improvement and patient safety.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners provide primary care to patients of all ages. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications. This course may be useful for Nurse Practitioners who are interested in developing their skills in quality improvement and patient safety.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide direct care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They perform a variety of tasks, including assessing patients' health, administering medications, and providing wound care. This course may be useful for Registered Nurses who are interested in developing their skills in quality improvement and patient safety.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people improve their ability to perform everyday activities. They work with people who have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities to help them regain or develop the skills they need to live independently.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people improve their movement and function. They work with people who have physical disabilities or injuries to help them regain or improve their physical abilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people improve their communication skills. They work with people who have speech, language, or swallowing disorders to help them regain or improve their ability to communicate.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They work with people who are experiencing mental health issues, poverty, or other challenges to help them improve their well-being.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/u2s1wg/practical
Reading list
We've selected six 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
Practical Improvement Science in Health Care: A Roadmap for Getting Results.
Provides a comprehensive overview of systems thinking and how it can be used to improve health systems. It covers the basic concepts of systems thinking, as well as practical tools and examples.
Save
Provides a thought-provoking look at how change happens in the world. It explores the different factors that contribute to change, and how we can increase our chances of achieving positive change.
Save
Provides a fascinating look at how our minds work. It explores the two different systems of thinking that we use, and how we can use this knowledge to make better decisions.
Save
Provides a new understanding of what motivates us. It explores the different types of motivation, and how we can use this knowledge to achieve our goals.
Save
Provides a fascinating look at how habits work. It explores the science of habit formation, and how we can use this knowledge to change our habits.
Provides a powerful argument for the use of checklists. It explores the different ways that checklists can help us improve our performance, and how we can create effective checklists.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/u2s1wg/practical
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Effort
2 to 5 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructors
Don Goldmann
Dave Williams
Don Berwick
Session
April 17, 2024
- April 16, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Applies the well-established Model for Improvement
Taught by instructors recognized for their work in healthcare improvement
Developed through a collaboration between HarvardX and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Provides continuing education for the healthcare team
Teaches a practical, rigorous methodology
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in improvement science
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