MPH2067 - Principles of health care quality improvement

Leader: Professor J Stoelwinder & Dr S Evans

Offered

Alfred Hospital Second semester 2007 (Day)
Alfred Hospital Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)

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.

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