Improvement Academy

This course develops skills in using quality improvement and change management tools to solve a problem or make improvements. Participants must utilize a project that will produce a measurable and sustainable improvement of one or more financial, operational or quality outcomes. Using the DMAIC framework, concepts and tools, participants will define their project scope, analyze options for improvement, implement interventions, manage communication and change, measure the impact of their efforts and learn tactics to sustain the results over time. 

 

This course is appropriate for providers and staff at all levels of experience who want to learn to develop and implement a quality improvement project. While individuals may take the course, we recommend that you come through the program as a team (preferably, interprofessional) that can help develop and lead the project. 

 

 

 

Course Overview

QI/PI Knowledge + change management + coaching = successful improvement efforts

The Improvement Academy offers sixteen hours of structured group didactic sessions to introduce key process and quality improvement frameworks and tools, with dedicated time to apply these tools to individual project work.  

 

Up to 12 longitudinal coaching sessions will help support PI/QI work and address the change management principles key to successful, sustained improvement efforts. Coaches will be IHQSE faculty members with extensive QI expertise.  

 

The program will close with a final presentation, creation of a sustainability plan, and quarterly updates for two years to the IHQSE leadership team.  

 

Course Content

Session 1: QI Tools and Application to Project Work

  • The 'Why' of improvement work                   
  • Overview  of the DMAIC approach to improvement
  • The six steps of quality improvement
  • Developing a business case for your project

Session 2: Data, Change Management & Overcoming Resistance

  • Managing and understanding data in improvement work
  • Managing change for effective project work 
  • Overcoming resistance to change
  • Creating an effective presentation

Coaching Sessions

  • Up to 12 one-hour meetings with your team and a coach focusing on project work and change management

 

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Upcoming Dates & Application

Upcoming Dates

Participants are expected to attend both days. Sessions are held in-person on the Anschutz Campus from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


  • Spring 2023 
    • Deadline to apply: February 5
    • Session dates: March 7 & April 17, 2023
  • Summer 2023
    • Deadline to apply: May 5
    • Session dates: June 15 & 16, 2023 (note consecutive session days)

 

Application

Applicants to the Improvement Academy should have a problem identified that they are dedicated to improving. We highly encourage you to apply with an interdisciplinary team.

 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
You will have the option to select your preferred dates at the end of the application.

Apply Now

Contact

IHQSE Administrative Support
IHQSE@cuanschutz.edu