This course is an introduction to quality assessment and improvement techniques. Students will learn about data collection tools, data analysis, reporting methods, quality assessment plans, team development, utilization and resource management, case management, risk management, clinical and critical pathways, project management, and accreditation standards governing a variety of health care organizations. The instruction will cover the organizational structure of the medical staff and its composite members and will provide an overview of a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations survey schedule. Other issues that may be addressed include practitioner credentialing, information management plans and how they interface with quality assessment efforts, standard performance measures, and practice guidelines. (3 billable contact hrs)