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Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 35 ratings
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Mary A. Dolansky, PhD, RN, Shirley Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Mamta K Singh, MD, MS

In this course you will learn about the importance of quality in healthcare and how you can contribute by implementing a quality improvement (QI) project to improve processes of care and patient outcomes. You will learn about powerful tools to add to your QI ‘toolbox’ during short lectures and reflective exercises. You will apply these tools to the implementation of a QI project in your own practice setting or an area of personal improvement. At the completion of the course, you will have a storyboard that captures your QI project success to share with others.

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In this course you will learn about the importance of quality in healthcare and how you can contribute by implementing a quality improvement (QI) project to improve processes of care and patient outcomes. You will learn about powerful tools to add to your QI ‘toolbox’ during short lectures and reflective exercises. You will apply these tools to the implementation of a QI project in your own practice setting or an area of personal improvement. At the completion of the course, you will have a storyboard that captures your QI project success to share with others.

The QI project will be considered within the context of interprofessional teams and from a systems perspective. The objective of this course is to empower you, the working healthcare professional, to improve your knowledge and skills in the science of quality improvement so that you can take action in your own clinical setting to improve the quality of care for your patients and their families.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Getting Started
Review the items in this module to prepare you for taking this course.
Week 2
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Well-suited for practicing healthcare professionals seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in quality improvement
Empowers learners to implement quality improvement projects in their own clinical settings, leading to improved patient outcomes
Provides practical tools and techniques for implementing quality improvement initiatives
Facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among interprofessional teams
Suitable for those with a background in healthcare or related fields
May require additional resources or support for learners with limited knowledge of quality improvement

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Reviews summary

Leading healthcare quality improvement projects

According to students, "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" is a highly practical and transformative course designed for working healthcare professionals. Learners consistently highlight the hands-on quality improvement (QI) project as its strongest feature, allowing for immediate application of concepts to their work settings. The course provides useful tools and a clear framework for implementing QI initiatives. While some students found the project demanding and time-consuming, the consensus is that the tangible outcomes make the effort worthwhile. A few learners noted the content could be more in-depth for those already familiar with project management, suggesting it's ideal for those seeking a solid foundation.
Strong for fundamentals, less for advanced topics.
"I wished for more in-depth case studies or advanced topics, but for a foundational course, it's excellent."
"Some of the material felt a bit basic for someone already familiar with project management principles."
"The course content was very general. I was expecting more specific examples related to different healthcare settings."
Materials build effectively for clear understanding.
"The course materials are well-structured, and the weekly modules build on each other effectively."
"The course demystified QI and provided a clear roadmap for implementation."
Learn valuable tools for quality improvement.
"The tools taught, like fishbone diagrams and PDSA cycles, were practical and well-explained."
"The tools provided are useful."
"I did learn some new tools."
Instructor praised for clarity and passion.
"The instructor was engaging and clearly passionate about quality improvement."
"The instructor's explanations were spot on, making complex topics easy to grasp."
"The instructor was engaging and provided excellent examples."
Apply concepts directly to real-world healthcare settings.
"This course was truly transformative. The QI project was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I could immediately apply the concepts to my work in a hospital setting."
"The practical application of a QI project was the highlight. It really helped me understand the process from start to finish."
"Loved the practical, hands-on approach. The QI project framework is invaluable. I can see how this will directly improve patient outcomes."
Project requires substantial time, balance with work.
"It does require significant time for the project, but it's worth it."
"The workload for the QI project was substantial, more than I anticipated, which made it hard to balance with a full-time job."
"The course requires dedication, especially for the project component. It's a significant time commitment, but the reward is tangible."

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 Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement with these activities:
Review Fundamental QI Concepts
Solidify your understanding of core QI concepts to enhance your learning experience.
Browse courses on Process Improvement
Show steps
  • Review course materials, textbooks, or online resources to refresh your knowledge of QI principles.
  • Complete practice exercises or quizzes to assess your understanding.
Enhance Data Analysis Skills
Strengthen your data analysis proficiency to optimize your ability to interpret and apply QI data.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Review fundamental data analysis techniques (e.g., descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing).
  • Practice using statistical software or tools to analyze real-world QI data.
  • Attend workshops or webinars to enhance your data analysis skills.
Engage in QI Discussion Groups
Collaborate and learn from peers through discussions and knowledge sharing.
Show steps
  • Join or organize a peer discussion group focused on QI.
  • Participate actively in discussions, sharing insights and experiences.
  • Collaborate on QI projects or initiatives (optional).
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in Online QI Forums
Engage with QI professionals through online forums to gain insights, ask questions, and exchange experiences.
Browse courses on Quality Improvement
Show steps
  • Identify and join reputable online QI forums.
  • Actively participate in discussions, share experiences, and seek advice.
  • Review and contribute to case studies and best practices.
Compile a QI Resource Toolkit
Organize and consolidate valuable QI resources for easy reference and future use.
Show steps
  • Identify and collect relevant QI resources (e.g., tools, templates, articles).
  • Organize the resources into a structured and accessible format (e.g., online repository, shared drive).
  • Review and update the toolkit regularly to ensure currency and relevance.
Conduct Mock QI Projects
Practice implementing QI projects on smaller scale examples to gain proficiency.
Show steps
  • Identify a small-scale QI project aligned with course objectives.
  • Design and implement the project using QI tools and frameworks.
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Evaluate the outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a QI Case Study Presentation
Deepen your understanding of a specific QI project by creating a presentation that showcases its details, outcomes, and impact.
Show steps
  • Select a QI project that you have been involved in or that aligns with your interests.
  • Gather relevant data and evidence to support your presentation.
  • Develop a clear and engaging presentation that effectively communicates the project's goals, methods, results, and impact.
  • Present your case study to peers, colleagues, or a wider audience (optional).
Guide Junior Colleagues or Students in QI Projects
Deepen your understanding of QI by mentoring others and sharing your knowledge.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior colleagues or students.
  • Develop a tailored mentorship plan aligned with their learning goals.
  • Provide guidance and support throughout their QI projects.
  • Evaluate their progress and offer constructive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care. They work under the direction of physicians and ensure that patients receive the proper medical treatment. Registered Nurses may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides nurses with the knowledge and tools to improve the quality of care for their patients. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, nurses can help to improve patient outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. They work to identify and correct defects in products and processes. Quality Assurance Analysts may also be responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance programs. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Quality Assurance Analysts with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of products and services. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Quality Assurance Analysts can help to improve patient outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians. They provide a variety of patient care services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing physical exams, and prescribing medications. Physician Assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Physician Assistants with the knowledge and tools to improve the quality of care for their patients. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Physician Assistants can help to improve patient outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, develop project plans, and track project progress. Project Managers may also be responsible for managing project budgets and resources. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Project Managers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of projects. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Project Managers can help to improve project outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts are responsible for developing and analyzing health policy. They work to identify and address health care issues and develop policies to improve the health of the population. Health Policy Analysts may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Health Policy Analysts with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of health policy. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Health Policy Analysts can help to improve the health of the population.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data collection plans, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. Data Analysts may also be responsible for developing and implementing data visualization tools. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Data Analysts with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of data analysis. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Data Analysts can help to improve data-driven decision-making.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of healthcare organizations. They work with stakeholders to develop organizational goals and objectives, develop and implement policies and procedures, and manage financial resources. Healthcare Administrators may also be responsible for managing human resources and information technology. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Healthcare Administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of healthcare organizations. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Healthcare Administrators can help to improve the quality of patient care.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinators are responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing clinical research studies. They work with researchers to develop study protocols, recruit and enroll study participants, and collect and manage study data. Clinical Research Coordinators may also be responsible for ensuring that studies are conducted in accordance with ethical and regulatory guidelines. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Clinical Research Coordinators with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of clinical research studies. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Clinical Research Coordinators can help to improve the quality of research data and the safety of study participants.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator
Medical Writer
Medical Writers are responsible for writing and editing medical content. They work with healthcare professionals to develop and write medical articles, reports, and other educational materials. Medical Writers may also be responsible for writing and editing patient education materials. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Medical Writers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of medical content. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Medical Writers can help to ensure that medical information is accurate, clear, and concise.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer
Health Information Manager
Health Information Managers are responsible for managing the health information of patients. They work with healthcare providers to collect, store, and retrieve patient health information. Health Information Managers may also be responsible for developing and implementing health information systems. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Health Information Managers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of health information management. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Health Information Managers can help to ensure that patient health information is accurate, complete, and accessible.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Information Manager
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators are responsible for educating the public about health issues. They work with community groups and organizations to develop and implement health education programs. Public Health Educators may also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Public Health Educators with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of health education programs. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Public Health Educators can help to improve the health of the population.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator
Health Program Manager
Health Program Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs. They work with stakeholders to identify health needs and develop and implement programs to address those needs. Health Program Managers may also be responsible for managing program budgets and resources. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Health Program Managers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of health programs. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Health Program Managers can help to improve program outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Program Manager
Quality Improvement Specialist
Quality Improvement Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing quality improvement programs. They work with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and develop and implement strategies to improve quality. Quality Improvement Specialists may also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of quality improvement programs. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Quality Improvement Specialists with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of healthcare organizations. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Quality Improvement Specialists can help to improve the quality of patient care.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Improvement Specialist
Health Services Researcher
Health Services Researchers are responsible for conducting research on the healthcare system. They work to identify and address issues in the healthcare system and develop evidence-based solutions to improve the quality of healthcare. Health Services Researchers may also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Health Services Researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of healthcare research. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Health Services Researchers can help to improve the design and implementation of healthcare research studies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Services Researcher
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are responsible for investigating the causes of disease and developing strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks. They work with public health officials to identify and track disease outbreaks and develop and implement strategies to prevent and control them. Epidemiologists may also be responsible for conducting research on the causes of disease and developing evidence-based recommendations for public health policy. The course "Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement" provides Epidemiologists with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of disease surveillance and control. By learning about quality improvement methods and tools, Epidemiologists can help to improve the effectiveness of disease prevention and control programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

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 Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement.
Cover image
Spread, Scale, and Sustainability in Population...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to quality improvement in healthcare. It covers topics such as QI methods, change management, and performance measurement.
Spread, Scale, and Sustainability in Population...
Paperback
Check
Spread, Scale, and Sustainability in Population...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Facilities Staffing Requirements for the Veterans...
Save
This handbook comprehensive guide to quality improvement with a healthcare context. It is extensively used by industry professionals as a practical guide and reference tool that is useful in a professional setting for implementing QI methodologies.
Facilities Staffing Requirements for the Veterans...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Improvement Guide
Save
This comprehensive guide to improvement science provides a step-by-step approach to planning, implementing, and evaluating improvement initiatives.
The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to...
Hardcover
$$$
The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Biomarker Tests for Molecularly Targeted Therapies
Save
Provides a guide for patients on how to understand and improve the quality and safety of their healthcare.
Biomarker Tests for Molecularly Targeted Therapies
Paperback
Check
Biomarker Tests for Molecularly Targeted Therapies
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Crossing the Global Quality Chasm
Save
Provides a guide for patients and families on how to understand and improve the quality and safety of their healthcare.
Crossing the Global Quality Chasm: Improving Health...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Deep Medicine
Save
Provides an overview of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and describes how it can be used to improve patient care, quality, and safety.
Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make...
Hardcover
$$
(Deutsch) Deep Medicine -- Künstliche Intelligenz in der...
Kindle Edition
$
(Pусский) Искусственный интеллект в медицине: Как умные...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Population Health
Save
This textbook provides a concise overview of the essential concepts of quality improvement in healthcare, covering topics such as quality measurement, quality improvement methods, and quality assurance.
Population Health
Paperback
Check
Population Health
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Health Care Handbook
Save
Serves as a general introduction to healthcare quality improvement for students and professionals.
The Health Care Handbook: A Clear and Concise Guide...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
29 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Case Western Reserve University
Instructors
Mary A. Dolansky, PhD, RN
Shirley Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN
Mamta K Singh, MD, MS
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша tiếng Việt
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Well-suited for practicing healthcare professionals seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in quality improvement
Empowers learners to implement quality improvement projects in their own clinical settings, leading to improved patient outcomes
Provides practical tools and techniques for implementing quality improvement initiatives
Facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among interprofessional teams
Suitable for those with a background in healthcare or related fields
May require additional resources or support for learners with limited knowledge of quality improvement
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