Course Description
This course focuses on improving the quality of EMS systems; to include the historical background of such systems, the definition of quality in the EMS environment, and its associated challenges. Data collection methods, both of qualitative and quantitative data, will be discussed with emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of each. The course project will have students develop a quality improvement implementation plan. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
- PSA 375: Management of Emergency Medical Services (Recommended)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the historical background to quality management and its relation to organizational culture.
- Analyze the domains of quality improvement as well as how it is defined in an EMS agency.
- Assess the challenges of measuring and mitigating EMS quality issues by providing methods to overcome at least two of these challenges.
- Evaluate at least two different data collection methods (National, state, or local) for use by your agency, citing the specific applicability of these methods.
- Compare qualitative data analysis versus quantitative data analysis to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Develop an EMS quality improvement implementation plan for your agency, including liability reduction issues.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
EMS Quality Improvement Plan Topic (Week 1) - Not graded but required | 0% |
Discussions [10 points] (Weeks 1-4) | 40% |
Discussions [5 points] (Weeks 1-4) | 20% |
EMS Quality Improvement Plan (Week 5) | 30% |
Liability Issues Analysis (Week 5) | 10% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Evans, Bruce E. EMS Quality Management and Research. Pearson Publishing. 2015 ISBN-13: 978-0-13-815281-9 or ISBN-10: 0-13-815281-0
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topic: History of Quality in EMS
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2 | 2 | Topic: Defining the Domains of Quality
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3 | 3,4 | Topic: Measuring and Improving EMS Quality
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4 | 5 | Topic: Using Databases and Quality Analysis
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5 | 6 | Topic: Quality Improvement Plans and Liability Issues
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.