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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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Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

Healthcare quality improvement training

Learners say this healthcare quality improvement course is evidence-based and thorough. They find the practical training engaging, but some report it being overly demanding with short deadlines.
Demanding yet highly informative
"It was a very difficult and stressful course."
"you need to achieve 32 deadlines in 6 weeks!"
Practical healthcare scenarios
"One of its own kind, evidence-based training which prepares one for the real world of work"
Feedback would enhance learning
"It would be worthwhile if the instructors provide feedback to the assignments."

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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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
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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
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  • 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.
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  • 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Provides a comprehensive guide to quality improvement in healthcare. It covers topics such as QI methods, change management, and performance measurement.
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.
This comprehensive guide to improvement science provides a step-by-step approach to planning, implementing, and evaluating improvement initiatives.
Provides a guide for patients and families on how to understand and improve the quality and safety of their healthcare.
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.
Serves as a general introduction to healthcare quality improvement for students and professionals.

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