Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit reviews quality improvement systems models and research in quality improvement for primary health care in Australia and other countries using a case based teaching method. The use of benchmarking concepts and practices to drive quality improvement is introduced and critically analyzed. Different types of benchmarking considered in this unit include time-based benchmarking, intra-agency benchmarking, inter-agency benchmarking, and national and international benchmarking in primary health care services.
Current knowledge and practice in the use of clinical and technical standards and accreditation systems to drive primary health care quality improvement is reviewed and critically analyzed. Standards relevant to primary health care practice and delivery are thoroughly reviewed.
Particular focus is placed upon the use of patient experience feedback in primary health care quality improvement. The differences between patient experience and satisfaction are considered and how patient experience tools can be directly aligned to clinical and technical standards. Tools pertinent to primary health care quality improvement are thoroughly reviewed.
The course is designed for primary health care professionals and other professionals involved in the management, design and delivery of primary health care services.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. To critically analyse the contemporary key international trends and policies and practices in Service Development and Quality Improvement in Primary Health Care practice;
2. To critically analyse these policies and practices in a wide range of Australian and international case studies in primary health care quality improvement;
3. To critically analyse the role of benchmarking in primary health care quality care improvement and the differences and between and strengths and weaknesses of different types of benchmarking including:
1. Time-based benchmarking,
2. Intra-agency benchmarking,
3. Inter-agency benchmarking; and
4. National and international benchmarking
4. To critically analyse the use of technical and clinical standards and accreditation systems in driving primary health care quality improvement;
5. To critically analyse the key differences between patient satisfaction and experience tools and how they may be used to drive primary health care quality improvement.

Assessment

Review of literature (20%)
Case study (20%)
Essay (critical analysis)(60%)

Contact hours

24 hours per week including contact time and private study over the second semester -a total of 312 hours.