Fundamentals of Health Systems

Catalog description

One of the growing systems in our society is that of the healthcare delivery system. The purpose of this course is to introduce the concepts behind the healthcare delivery systems and to focus upon the systems improvement or continuous improvement techniques available for complex systems. Topics would include improvement to, and problems with: organizational structure, managing change, the financial structure, the responsibility structure, quality data and implications of quality measures, use of clinical decision support systems and the caregiver’s role in the system. There will also be a focus upon suppliers to the healthcare delivery system and the unique requirements placed upon their products and processes. This course is considered a technical elective for undergraduate students. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of department chair. Cross-listed with SSIE 534. Term offered varies.