In this course, you will learn about the importance of measuring the quality of care and health outcomes in order to determine whether Quality Improvement(QI ) initiatives have achieved their aims. You will learn about how data is utilised to identify areas of improvement and the importance of using both quantitative and qualitative data in evaluating change. You will learn about the specific methods appropriate for improvement as distinct from methods more suited to research, including how to design measurement schemes suitable for improvement initiatives
Using Data for Healthcare Improvement
Using Data for Healthcare Improvement
This course is part of Quality Improvement in Healthcare Specialization
Instructor: Dr Thomas Woodcock
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
15 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Prepare for a degree
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
7 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Quality Improvement in Healthcare Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
In this module, you will learn about the importance of measuring quality of care and health outcomes in order to determine whether QI initiatives have achieved their aims. You will learn about how data is utilised to identify areas of improvement and the importance of using both quantitative and qualitative data in evaluating change. You will learn about the specific methods appropriate for improvement as distinct from methods more suited to research, including how to design measurement schemes suitable for improvement initiatives.
What's included
4 videos10 readings2 assignments1 plugin
In this module you will learn how to use the methods of statistical process control to distinguish between variation due to changes in the underlying process of care and variation that is part of this process, including how to distinguish when variation in a measure constitutes evidence of improvement in care. You will use the statistical software package R to analyse real time series data using Shewhart charts, and learn to interpret and act on the results. Example data is taken from a project screening for Atrial Fibrillation in an at risk population, and data on time spent in the accident and emergency department
What's included
1 video2 assignments5 ungraded labs
In this module you will build on what you learnt previously, expanding the repertoire of methods to cover additional types of data frequently encountered in quality improvement.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment2 ungraded labs
In this module, you will learn about the use of qualitative research methods in QI in healthcare. This includes how qualitative methods can be used to drive improvement, and in studying and evaluating improvement. You will learn about the Matching Michigan study, including methods and key findings, as an example of the importance of theory in quality improvement. You will compare three theoretical frameworks for implementation and improvement, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and use a tool designed to aid framework selection.
What's included
3 videos5 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
Imperial College London
Imperial College London
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Johns Hopkins University
Prepare for a degree
Taking this course by Imperial College London may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Public Health? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.