MPH2067

Principles of health care quality improvement ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Prof J Stoelwinder

Offered:
MMS-ALFRED First semester 2006 (Day)
MMS-ALFRED Second semester 2006 (Day)
MMS-ALFRED Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: Historical, political and social factors impacting on quality measurement in health care. Relationship of industrial and health care quality monitoring. Epidemiological and statistical quality measurement principles. Strengths and limitations of current monitoring techniques and the different sources of health care quality data. Principles of clinical indicator programs, adverse event monitoring, satisfaction surveys and benchmarking. Relationship between Evidence Based Medicine, Clinical Practice Guidelines and quality improvement. Design, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement programs in clinical settings.

Objectives: On completion of this unit student should be able to: 1. describe the factors that have led to a greater emphasis on quality measurement and improvement in health care. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the tools that are used in quality measurement and improvement, including: + Clinical indicator programs + Adverse event monitoring + Satisfaction surveys + Benchmarking + Evidence based medicine + Clinical guidelines + Quality improvement programs + Accreditation programs + Risk management 3. Apply a knowledge of international quality improvement programs. 4. Contribute to the debate on quality improvement issues - such as public disclosure of quality measures. 5. Design and implement quality improvement programs in the clinical setting.

Homepage: www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/postgrad/

Assessment: Web-based tasks (50%) + Written assignments (50%)

Contact Hours: 15 contact hours over 2 days

Off-campus attendance requirements: 15 contact hours over 2 days