This course provides participants with opportunities to strengthen their understanding of concepts of quality improvement (QI) in health care, and sharpen their skills in applying practical tools for measuring and improving quality. While these skills can be used in all settings, the emphasis will be on practical tools which do not require access to expensive technology or IT infrastructure and hence are most appropriate in low-resource settings such as developing countries or low-income communities within Canada. Furthermore, students will be exposed to scientific literature on attempts at applying QI science in such settings, and learn about frequently encountered barriers to implementing change in vulnerable populations.

Objectives: 1) Have a solid knowledge of definitions of quality and its different attributes. 2) Understand how system design issues lead to quality problems. 3) Understand common barriers to delivering good quality care to vulnerable populations in low-resource environments. 4) Participants should be able to lead a QI team through the following activities: conduct a process map; conduct a direct observation or audit of a process; do a cause & effect analysis; use a defect check sheet; identify ideas for improvement. analyze stakeholder incentives regarding improvement ideas; establish a QI team; set QI project charter (aims, measures, change ideas); use PDSA cycles.