INSTRUCTOR: Geralyn Matejcek
OFFICE: GAHC 213H
EMAIL: Geralyn.Matejcek@ndscs.edu
PHONE: 1-800-342-4325, ext. 2269
1-701-671-2269
DIVISION DEAN: Ken Kompelien, Old Main 106
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of continuous quality improvement, utilization management, and risk management in health care. Also includes study of credentialing, accreditation standards, quality improvement organizations, and medical staff services. Selected management topics specific to health information departments will be covered. Web based instruction. Prerequisite: HIT 176
TEXTBOOKS AND SOFTWARE:
Quality and Performance Improvement in Healthcare, A Tool for Programmed Learning Patricia
Shaw and Chris Elliott, Polly Isaacson, Elizabeth Murphy, American Health Information
Management Association, Fourth Edition
Johns, Merida L. Health Information Management Technology and Applied Approach, Johns
Merida. AHIMA, 2010
Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint, and Word Software.
AHIMA Virtual Lab Applications
REFERENCES:
WWW.JOINTCOMMISSION.ORG
EVALUATION MECHANISM/GRADING SYSTEM:
Assignments (content items) will be made within each unit with corresponding due dates. Test scores, assignments, quizzes, and projects will be evaluated and points assigned. Students not completing content items by the due date will not receive credit. Grades will be determined as follows:
100-94% A
93-86% B
85-78% C
77-70%
Less than
70%
D
F

EXAM PROCTOR:
An examination proctor is required, and the proctor form must be completed, and approved by your instructor prior to the first exam.
Each exam must be taken in the presence of your approved proctor without use of any textbook, notes, internet web sites, etc.
To promote course integrity, follow the AHIMA Code of Ethics, and because you will write a certification examination upon completion of your program, it is essential that you follow this rule to be successful on the certification examination. Access the Proctor Form here.
TEACHING METHODS:
Lecture, textbook activities, discussion, demonstration and application using health records and forms, virtual lab activities.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The attendance policy applies to on campus and online students. It is in the student’s best interest to log into the class regularly to take advantage of any announcements or classmate posts.
An online student who does not submit class work for ten consecutive calendar days may be dropped from the course. Efforts to contact inactive students are attempted as soon as each semester begins; however, if there is no response from the students and inactivity continues, a drop will be enacted.
The following action may be taken regarding irregular attendance:
1) Dropped from a course or program
2) Course grade may be lowered
3) Termination of financial assistance
4) Cancelation of registration.
5) Restriction from extra-curricular activities or
6) Any other judgments deemed necessary.
Please see the entire NDSCS Attendance Policy at: http://www.ndscs.nodak.edu/online/links/ndscs-attendance-policy/
PROFESSIONALISM:
Success in one’s career is almost as dependent on professional behavior as on one’s academic knowledge and abilities. Students are expected to exhibit professional behavior in all activities associated with this course. This includes:
 The student participates in class activities or informs the instructor in a timely manner of unavoidable situations that may impact course work.

 The student meets deadlines, follows through to completion of responsibilities.
 The student deals tactfully and effectively with others as exhibited in e-mail communications, discussion postings, and other course activities.
 The student practices effective written communications in the course by practicing email and discussion etiquette, using correct grammar, in respectful and tactful postings.
 The student practices honesty, integrity, confidentiality of patient, provider, fellow student, and college information, and follows the proctor requirements.
 The student uses appropriate channels for solving disputes.
 The student participates in a positive manner in the course as evidenced by interaction with faculty and other students.
 The student shows initiative, asking for assistance after searching for resources on their own.
UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:
 Identifying PI measurements and using teamwork (Chapters 1-3)
 Analyzing Performance Improvement Data (Chapter 4)
 PI Activities and Measuring Customer Satisfaction (Chapters 5-6)
 Refining the Continuum of Care (Chapter 7)
 Improving the Provision of Care, Treatment and Services (Ch 8)(Johns Ch 11)
 Controlling Infectious Disease and Decreasing Risk Exposure (Chapters 9-10)
 Building a Safe Medication Management System (Chapter 11)
 Managing the Environment of Care (Chapter 12)
 Developing Staff and Human Resources. (Chapter 13)
 Accreditation, Certification and Licensure Processes (Chapters 14-15)
 Implementing Information Management Tools for PI (Chapter 16)
 Management and Supervision Topics (Johns Chapter 18)
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Define performance improvement and identify improvement opportunities and
 Use quality improvement tools and techniques to monitor, report, and improve processes in problem solving.
 Organize and contribute to work teams and committees and identify their effective use in performance improvement activities.
 Identify potential risk management issues.

 Describe components of a risk management program and its role in QI in an organization
 Coordinate utilization and resource management functions.
 Describe the components of a utilization management program and its role in the quality initiatives of an organization.
 Collect, organize and present data for quality management, utilization management, risk management and other related studies.
 Assist in medical staff credentialing and quality improvement functions.
 Identify organizations that publish clinical quality standards and guidelines.
 Monitor compliance with governmental and organizational regulations and accreditation standards.
 Describe the responsibilities of the QIO (PRO) and their initiatives.
 Explain why confidentiality of quality management data and information is essential to a successful quality program.
 Create/use tools of management including a flow chart, staffing plan, replacement chart, etc.
 Complete a job analysis and integrate findings into a job description.
 Identify the components of an effective performance appraisal process.
 Determine resources to meet workload demands; including budget and productivity calculations.
 Apply the AHIMA Code of Ethics to potential ethical dilemmas which may occur at work.
EXPECTED AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT OUTCOMES:
This course supports the following outcomes:
 Students will meet course objectives in all of the AHIMA domains, subdomains, and task competency areas listed in the syllabus.
 Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to define and apply the principles of healthcare quality management in a healthcare facility.
AHIMA DOMAINS, SUBDOMAINS, AND TASK COMPETENCY AREAS COVERED IN HIT 284:
1.
Domain: Health Data Management a.
Subdomain: Health Data Structure Content and Standards i.
Collect and maintain health date. ii.
Conduct analysis to assure that documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the progress, clinical findings and discharge status. iii.
Verify timeliness, completeness, accuracy and appropriateness of data and data sources for patient care, management, billing and or databases b.
Subdomain: Healthcare Information Requirements and Standards i.
Assist in preparing the organization for accreditation, licensing and/or certification surveys.
2.
Domain: Health Statistics, Biomedical Research and Quality Management

a.
Subdomain: Healthcare Statistics and Research i.
Collect, maintain, and report data for clinical indices/databases/registries to meet specific organization needs such as medical reserach and disease registries. ii.
Collect, organize and present data for quality management, utilization management, risk management, and other patient care related studies. iii.
Comprehend basic descriptive, institutional and healthcare vital statistics. b.
Subdomain: Quality Management and Performance Improvement i.
Abstract and report data for facility-wide quality management and performance improvement programs. ii.
Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety and effectiveness of healthcare.
3.
Domain: Health Services Organization and Delivery a.
Subdomain: Healthcare Delivery Systems i.
Apply current laws, accreditation, licensure, and certification standards related to health information initiatives from the national, state, local, and facility levels.
4.
Domain: Information Technology & Systems a.
Subdomain: Information and Communication Technologies i.
Use technology, including hardware and software, to ensure data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information ii.
Use common software applications (e.g., spreadsheets, databases, word processing, graphics, presentation, email, etc.) in the execution of work processes. iii.
Use specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, quality improvement, and imaging. b.
Subdomain: Data, Information, File Structures i.
Apply knowledge of database architecture and design (data dictionary) to meet departmental needs.
5.
Domain: Organizational Resources a.
Subdomain: Human Resources i.
Apply the fundamentals of team leadership ii.
Participate in and work in teams and on committees. iii.
Monitor & report staffing levels and productivity standards for health information functions. iv.
Communicate staff performance data. v.
Prioritize job functions and activities. vi.
Use tools and techniques to monitor, report, and improve processes. vii.
Comply with local, state, and federal labor regulations. b.
Subdomain: Financial and Physical Resources i.
Make recommendations for items to include in budgets and contracts. ii.
Monitor and order supplies needed for work processes. iii.
Recommend cost-saving and efficient means of achieving work processes and goals. iv.
Contribute to work plans, policies, procedures, and resource requisitions in relation to job functions

DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS:
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Student Accessibility Coordinator, 225
Mildred Johnson Library (phone 671-2623, or toll-free 1-800-342-4325 ext. 3-2623) as early as possible in the term or call Mindi Bessler toll free at 1-800-342-4325 (ext. 32623).
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Integrity is an NDSCS core value and there is an expectation that all students, as members of the college community, adhere to the highest levels of academic integrity.
Dishonesty in class, laboratory, shop work or tests is regarded as a serious offense and is subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and dean of the respective division. For more information, refer to the NDSCS Student Planner or College Catalog under College Policies and
Basic Regulations of Conduct.
HELP DESK:
For technical problems, like not being able to view a page, slowness issues, problems with a video or hearing an audio, things not working like they should, please contact the 24/7 eCollege helpdesk at (877)740-2213, or email them at helpdesk@ndscsonline.org.
Access Policy:
Online students must maintain computer access at all times to the online course. Lack of computer access as an excuse for late work or missed exam/quiz will NOT be accepted. Review the Access Policy to learn how you can take a proactive approach to your online success.
DATE OF OUTLINE REVISION: August 2012