Course Syllabus

 

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

Course Prefix/Number:                                               ALHT 215

Course Title:                                                                Quality Improvement

Division:                                                                      Outreach & Work Force Development

Program:                                                                      Health Information Technology

Credit Hours:                                                              3

Initiation/Revised Date:                                              Fall 2007

 

CLASSIFICATION OF INSTRUCTION

Vocational

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course with laboratory components provides a study of the history and development of quality improvement efforts in health care; quality assessment techniques, critical pathways, medical staff organization, credentialing, and peer review, utilization review, and risk management; roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in quality improvement; software tools for quality improvement, databases, and spreadsheets.

 

PRE/CO-REQUISITE

ALHT 110 Health Information Technology, ALHT 120 Health Information Technology Lab, Instructor consent.

 

TEXT

Quality and Performance Improvement in Healthcare, Elliott, Chris; Shaw, Patricia; Isaacson, Polly; Murphy, Elizabeth, AHIMA, 2007. 

 

OTHER REFERENCES

Health Information Management Technology: An Applied Approach, edited by Merida L. Johns,

 PhD, RHIA, Second Edition, AHIMA, 2007

 

AHIMA Web site:  http://www.ahima.org

 

COURSE OUTCOMES/COMPETENCIES (as Required)

At the end of the course, a student should be able to do the following:

1.                  Understand and follow organization policies and procedures for quality

 improvement/performance improvement

2.                  Abstract information from patient records retrospectively to develop provider profiles contributing to the credentialing process.

3.                  Implement and monitor accreditation/licensing standards and evaluate survey results.

4.                  Develop data collection tools and conduct surveys for users of data, health care providers, administrators and researchers, etc.

5.                  Compile and interpret data for quality assessment studies.

6.                  Design appropriate graphic presentation for data using pie, run, flow charting and/or bar graphs.

7.                  Understand the processes of case management, utilization management, risk management and infection control and their impact on the delivery of quality patient care.

 

 

 

AHIMA DOMAINS

Domain 1:  Health Data Management

   Subdomain A. Health Data Structure, Content and Standards

            5.  Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of data and data

                  sources (e.g., patient care; management; billing reports and/or databases)

   Subdomain B.  healthcare Information Requirements and Standards

            2.  Perform analysis of health records to evaluate compliance with regulations and

                 standards:

                 a. Quantitative analysis

            3.  Apply policies and procedures to assure organizational compliance with regulations

                 and standards.

Domain 2:  Health Statistics, Biomedical Research and Quality Management

   Subdomain A: Healthcare Statistics and Research

1.      Abstract records for department indices/databases/registries.

2.      Collect, organize, and present data for:

a.       Administration purposes

b.      Financial purposes

c.       Performance improvement programs

d.      Quality management

   Subdomain B. Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement

1.      Participate in facility-wide quality management program.

2.      Present data in verbal and written forms

Domain 4: Information Technology and Systems

   Subdomain A. Information and Communication Technologies

3.       Use common software applications (e.g., spreadsheets; databases; presentation; email) in the execution of work processes

   Subdomain B. Data, Storage and Retrieval

5.      Query and generate reports using appropriate software

6.      Design and generate reports using appropriate software

   Subdomain C. Data Security

3.       Use and summarize data compiled from audit trail

Domain 5: Organizational Resources

   Subdomain A. Human Resources

            9. Use quality improvement tools and techniques to assess, report and improve processes

 

COURSE OUTLINE

  1. Introductions & Defining Performance Improvement Model
  2. Identifying Improvement Opportunities
  3. Using Teamwork in Performance Improvement
  4. Aggregating & Analyzing Performance Improvement Data
  5. Communicating Performance Improvement Activities & Recommendations
  6. Measuring Customer Satisfaction
  7. Refining the Continuum of Care
  8. Preventing and Controlling Infectious Disease
  9. Decreasing Risk Exposure
  10. Improving the Provision of Care, Treatment, & Services
  11. Building a Safe Medication Management System
  12. Improving Care Environment and Life Safety
  13. Developing Staff and Human Resources
  14. Medical Staff & Organizing for Performance Improvement
  15. Navigating the Accreditation, Certification, or Licensure Process

 

SCHEDULE

This class meets online for weekly learning units.  The class materials for each unit will be available for a minimum of eight days, starting ______________ and ending _______________.

 

Week

Topic/Exam

Readings/Activities

1

Introductions & Defining Performance Improvement Model

Chapter 1 assignment / Test

2

Identifying Improvement Opportunities

Chapter 2 assignment / Test

3

Using Teamwork in Performance Improvement

Chapter 3 assignment / Test

4

Aggregating & Analyzing Performance Improvement Data

Chapter 4 assignment / Test

5

Communicating Performance Improvement Activities & Recommendations

Chapter 5 assignment / Test

6

Measuring Customer Satisfaction

Chapter 6 assignment / Test

7

Refining the Continuum of Care

Chapter 7 assignment / Test

8

Preventing and Controlling Infectious Disease

Chapter 8 assignment / Test

9

Decreasing Risk Exposure

Chapter 9 assignment / Test

10

Improving the Provision of Care, Treatment, & Services

Chapter 10 assignment / Test

11

Building a Safe Medication Management System

Chapter 11 assignment / Test

12

Improving Care Environment and Life Safety

Chapter 12 assignment / Test

13

Developing Staff and Human Resources

Chapter 13 assignment/ Test

14

Medical Staff & Organizing for Performance Improvement

Chapter 14/ assignment/ Lecture Notes/ Test

15

Navigating the Accreditation, Certification, or Licensure Process

Chapter 15 assignment/ Test

16

Final

Final

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS/GRADING/STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION

A cumulative point system is used.  Your class assignments will include reading, review questions, written reports, case studies, Website research, projects, practice exercises, discussion questions, chapter quizzes and examinations.  The chapter examinations will be a part of each learning unit and are completed after the unit assignments, and prior to starting the next unit.  Possible points for written reports, case studies, projects, and exams will vary and tracking of your total points for each assignment or exam will be available on the course Website.  Class assignments will be evaluated for accuracy, content, form, knowledge of subject matter, application of knowledge and ability to communicate effectively.

 

Class participation is an essential element to your success in this course.  Participation in an online course means you stay on schedule, turn assignments in on time, post discussion boards responses timely, and share comments to your classmates’ discussion postings.  You are expected to respond to discussion board questions with at least one posting of your original thoughts and ideas.  It is expected that there will b differences of opinions on certain discussion board topics.  Please be respectful of the different opinions you read and respond to.  As the discussion is monitored, inappropriate and rude postings will be deleted and no points will be given to the offender.

 

Complete assignments by the due date.  Late assignments will be docked 10% and only accepted 1 day past due date.  Make-ups for exams or assignments are only permitted under special circumstances and with prior approval by the instructor.  Borderline grades will be viewed in terms of timely completion of assignments and class participation.

 

Total points accumulated during the semester will be calculated into a percent and graded on the scale below.

 

GRADING SCALE

A = 90-100%

            B = 80-89%

            C = 70-79%

            D = 60-69%

            F = 59% and below

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Absences that occur due to students participating in official college activities are excused. Students who are excused will be given reasonable opportunity to make up any missed work or receive substitute assignments from the instructor.  Ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of the planned absence.

 

Unless students are excused by the instructor, they are expected to attend class. Students who are absent for two consecutive weeks (prior to the final drop date) and fail to contact the instructor may be dropped from this class.  If a student is inactive for one-eighth of the total course duration, the instructor has the right, but is not required, to withdraw a student from the course.  Once the student has been dropped for excessive absences, the registrar’s office will send a letter to the student, stating that he or she has been dropped.  A student may petition the chief academic officer for reinstatement by submitting a letter stating valid reasons for the absences within one week of the registrar’s notification.  If the student is reinstated into the class, the instructor and the registrar will be notified. 

 

It is the responsibility of the student to properly drop the course.  Students, who are still enrolled in this class after the final drop date, but fail to participate in class, are at risk for a failing grade.  Your grade will be based on the total points accumulated through the last date of participation.

 

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT GAIN

Student gain will be determined by student improvement in each of the areas of student competencies. 

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

NCCC expects every student to demonstrate ethical behavior with regard to academic pursuits.  Academic integrity in coursework is a specific requirement.  Definitions, examples, and possible consequences for violations of Academic Integrity, as well as the appeals process, can be found in the College Catalog, Student Handbook, and/or Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.

 

This online class allows you to work independently or with other students in the class.  For your own benefit, you need to complete all assignments on your own unless otherwise indicated.  Do not use the work of others and submit it as your own.  You may refer to the textbook and resources when taking tests online, however the tests are timed and you may lose points if you exceed the time limit.  The true test of what you learn in this class will be demonstrated when you take the AHIMA certification exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician.  The expectation for this class is for you to be professional and ethical – do your own work.

 

 

 

 

CELL PHONE POLICY:

Student cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class times. Faculty may approve an exception for special circumstances.

 

DISCLAIMER

This syllabus is a broad outline of subject matter intended to be covered.  It does not mean that everything herein will be covered, nor does it limit the content of the class to the material described.  Information and statements in this document are subject to change at the discretion of NCCC.  Because Introduction to Health Information is basic to understanding many of the other courses in the Health Information Technology program, a grade of C or better is required to continue the program

           

 

 

 

NOTE:  If you are a student with a disability who may need accommodation(s) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please notify the Director of Advising and Counseling, Chanute Campus, Student Union 620-431-2820 ext 280 or the Dean, Ottawa Campus, 785-242-2607 ext 312, as soon as possible.  You will need to bring your documentation for review in order to determine reasonable accommodations, and then we can assist you in arranging any necessary accommodations.

 

 

Note:  Information and statements in this document are subject to change at the discretion of NCCC.  Changes will be published in writing and made available to students.