The Quality Improvement Science and Systems Analysis course introduces the principles and core methodology of industrial quality improvement methods with special reference to those which may be applicable to surgical services in hospitals. The aim is to equip students to understand how they may be able to improve the quality, reliability and safety of services and then sustain excellence of performance in their own practice through the application of tried and tested methods to achieve system change and the engagement of staff.
The Quality Improvement Science and Systems Analysis course provides the opportunity for students to learn more about:
- the history and principles of industrial quality improvement
- systems theory
- the measurement of process and outcome
- process mapping and visibility
- the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle
- workforce engagement
- "lean thinking"
- the diffusion of innovations
- continuous performance monitoring methods
- Six Sigma
- human/technology interactions
- predictive and analytical methods for identifying risk in systems
- incident reporting systems.
Offered by Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and the Department for Continuing Education, the taught week is led by Dr Lauren Morgan, Human Factors Research Associate and Departmental Lecturer at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford.
It features face-to-face lectures and tutorials in small groups.
Class sizes are kept small to allow full interaction with tutors. Study before and after the course is supported by a rich virtual learning environment.
Previous guest speakers have included:
- Alastair Nicholson, Emeritus Professor of Operations and Technology Management, London Business School
- Steve New, Lecturer in Operations Management, Said Business School, University of Oxford
- Jaideep Pandit, Supernumerary Fellow in Physiological Sciences, University of Oxford
- Eleanor Robertson, Clinical Research Fellow, University of Oxford
- Stephen Todd, Associate Fellow, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
- Paul Walley, Senior Lecturer, Department of Business and Management, Oxford Brookes University