ImproveOutcomes.com has an agreement with George Mason University (GMU) to provide users with a sample course in quality improvement that is part of a certificate in Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management. Below is the description of the course and hyperlinks to GMU.

Certificate in Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management

This certificate prepares clinicians and managers to implement rapid improvements in their organizations. Participants work in interdisciplinary teams to bring about measured improvements in outcomes of care. They will be able to use information technology, statistical analysis, process improvement cycles, and other management tools. The certificate includes five graduate-level courses taught online. Courses can be taken for graduate-level or continuing education credits. Students can use the graduate-level credits toward degree programs at GMU or at other universities that accept transfer of graduate-level credits.

Overview of the Certificate Program

Students select from the following courses to be awarded the certificate.

• HSCI 678 Operations/Quality Management of Health Services - Examines the operations and quality management functions of a health care/service organization from a strategic viewpoint.

• HSCI 501 Introduction to the U.S. Health System - Course is required, as a prerequisite to all other certificate courses, for students who do not have familiarity with all aspects (financing, providers, care systems) of the U.S. health care system and recent working experience. Explores the structure, function, and financing of the health care delivery systems in the U.S.

• HSCI 501 Introduction to Biostatistics - Applies selected biostatistics techniques to public health and health system management issues.

• HSCI 709 Healthcare Databases - Introduces students to design and use of health and medical databases.

• HSCI 730 Decision Analysis in Health Care - Prerequisites: HSCI 501, 709, 768. Students learn techniques to develop protocols of care from judgment panels of experts and risk adjustment measures for client populations.

• HSCI 547 Regulatory Requirements for Health Care Systems - This course is designed to help health care professionals understand the linkage between the infrastructures of the organization and the regulatory/accreditation processes for health care organizations.

• Elective - (If not taking HSCI 547) - Students can meet this requirement by taking a 3-credit elective from any accredited university or by selecting among several online courses offered at GMU (see for example Health Economics).

ImproveOutcomes.com users can access the sample course Decision Analysis in Health Care. Health care managers can find a step-by-step guide for analysis of their organizations. Included are topics in root cause analysis, physician practice profiling and cost effectiveness of clinics.

To learn more about the certificate program, visit http://chhs.gmu.edu/hap/cert-quality.html.