High Quality Health Systems: Measuring & Improving Quality

Poor health system quality is a binding constraint to improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. But what is health system quality and how do we measure and improve it?  The objective of this course is to develop students’ understanding of key concepts in the measurement of health system quality along with the theoretical underpinnings and effectiveness of strategies for health system improvement.

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Learning objectives

This course is designed to advance knowledge of the fundamental concepts, evidence base, measurement approaches, and improvement strategies for health system quality, in line with the Lancet Commission on High Quality Health Systems and the QuEST Network. Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:

1. Explain the main conceptual frameworks for health care quality and patient experience.
2. Describe and compare the methodological approaches used in measuring health system quality, with reference to methods used in OECD countries.
3. Synthesize the state of quality of a given country’s health system using multiple measures.
4. Describe a taxonomy of strategies that can be used to improve health systems at the micro, meso, and macro levels.
5. Identify potential strategies for large-scale health system improvement and evaluation.

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Who should take this course?

This free online course is intended for health system researchers and policymakers who are interested in researching and improving health system performance in any setting. To register for this course, you will need a valid email address. We strongly recommend a stable internet connection while accessing this course.

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How to access the course

1. Go to the course site: Visit https://mycanvas.wustl.edu/washu-extended-learning/, and click “Login to WUEx”
2. Sign in or create an account:
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   1. If you already have an account: Click “Login using Email Verification”
   2. If you are new: Click “Sign up now”. 
      
      1. Enter your email address, first and last name, and create a password.
      2. A verification code will be sent to your email (check your spam or junk folder if needed) 
      3. If you need help, email MedExtendedLearning@wustl.edu.

3. Enroll in the course (one time only):
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   1. After logging in Canvas, open the self-enrollment link. Click Enroll in Course, then Go to Course.

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