Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides the student with enhanced understanding of the concepts related to clinical improvement in community based emergency health services by examining current quality management approaches, certification standards, management issues in quality; and managerial responsibilities in managing for quality. Students will be required to examine team-working, empowerment and organisational culture change from the perspective of improving clinical practice and service delivery.

Objectives

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

1. Critically review the strengths and weaknesses of their ambulance service's quality management system with reference to contemporary thinking on clinical improvement methods.
2. Review their service's key performance indicators to identify meaningful measures of service and quality, evaluate performance trends and identify areas and suggestions for improvement.
3. Explore the service's clinical improvement implementation methods from the perspectives of culture, communication strategies, teams and employee empowerment.
4. Implement changes to clinical practice based on sound clinical improvement principles.

Assessment

Assignment 1 (2,500 words) 40%, Assignment 2 (2,500 words) 40%, On-line tutorial participation 20%.

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Ingrid Brooks

Prerequisites

MEH4306,MEH4308, MEH5010