Leading Improvement Projects Micro-Course Fall 2021

In this online training, we’ll review from start to finish what to expect in a quality improvement (QI) project. This training was developed for people that will be helping to facilitate QI projects within their agency and are looking for tools, templates and experience with doing so.  Registering for this training gives you access to an online micro-course, which includes the online modules + Live Learning Sessions with a subject-matter expert.

Online Modules

• The Process

• Scope & Resources

• LEAN Problem Solving

• Verifying Impact & Ensuring Sustainability

The micro-course was developed in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of Partnership, Planning and Improvement and the Colorado Association for Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO) for public health agencies in Colorado; however, those working in other states and in other settings may find it useful as well.

What to Expect

• This course will take 5 weeks to complete.
  • Online course materials
  • 3 live sessions (Please put these sessions on your calendar)
  • Course schedule – Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00am
    • October 20^th – Course shell opens
    • November 3^rd – The Process: Overview and Scope & Organize Resources (extra half-hour, 9:00-10:30am MST)
    • November 10^th – (LEAN) Problem Solving
    • November 17^th – Verify Impact and Ensure Sustainment
• Online course materials
  • You will have activities to do on your own between the live meetings.  The activities will include things like watching videos and reading.
  • There will be a short assignment to complete in preparation for each live session. (Live sessions go quickly. Doing the activities and assignments helps you use the time well.)
• Live Sessions
  • A facilitator will lead guided discussions and activities related to the online content with you and your classmates.
  • A topic expert will also be on hand to answer questions and engage in the discussion.
  • Live sessions give you the opportunity to connect concepts of evidence-based decision making to your daily work.
• Communication
  • You should receive 2 emails from us before the course begins.  Please email us at registration.rmphtc@ucdenver.eduif they do not show up in your inbox (please check your spam folder, as well).
    • Registration confirmation – immediately after registering
    • Course welcome and instructions – 2 weeks before first live session
• Technology
  • Live Sessions
    • You must join the Live Learning Sessions by video (an external webcam or built-in camera in your laptop, tablet, or smartphone).  Our staff can help you get set up if this is new for you.
  • Online course materials
    • You will be sent an invitation to the Learning Management System (Canvas) approximately 2 weeks before the first Live Learning Session.  You will need to sign in, do some activities and make sure that you know how to connect to the Live Learning Session.  Don’t worry about the technology!  We have staff to help you.  You’ll receive all the information you need once you log in.

After participating in this course, learners will be able to:

• Identify improvement opportunities

• Utilize a set of quality improvement (QI) tools for problem solving

  • Defining problems and measuring processes

  • Process mapping

  • Finding root causes (using the 5 Whys)

  • Prioritizing solutions

  • Creating an implementation plan and follow up

• Identify and treat root causes of waste and variation

• Utilize a set of facilitation and project management skills

• Demonstrate how to incorporate change management practices into their work