ASHP Quality Improvement Initiative Self-directed Learning Module

An Online Self-directed Learning Tool on Quality Improvement

Developed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
supported by sanofi-aventis

Welcome to the ASHP Quality Improvement Initiative Self-directed Learning Module!

There is a national movement underway to improve the quality of health care in the United States. Incorporating evidence-based practice guidelines into routine medical care is key to this initiative. Pharmacists must assume responsibility for ensuring that their department’s strategic direction is aligned with the national quality agenda. Pharmacists bring to the table key leadership skills, extensive medication expertise, and knowledge of hospital operations, all of which are critical to implementing successful quality programs. In order for the pharmacy profession to grow and thrive in the future, pharmacists must actively participate in local and national quality improvement initiatives. This self-directed learning module is designed to help pharmacists develop the expertise to become engaged in meeting these quality initiatives and to improving patient care in a cost-effective manner.

The module begins with an introduction to the “alphabet soup” of national quality initiatives – organizations that are leading the national movement and why each is important. The module then addresses the basics of quality assessment – methodology, measurement tools, decision tools, and ways to implement change.

This tool is designed so that you can start the module, stop at any point and return to that same point later. After completing the module, you will receive an online document with the information that you requested during the self-assessment. You may save that document to your computer or return to the module at a later time and begin where you left off.

Enjoy learning about quality improvement!

The information contained in the self-directed learning module is constantly evolving because of ongoing research, requirements, and practices, and are subject to the professional judgment and interpretation of the pharmacist due to the uniqueness of each institution. ASHP has made reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the information presented. However, any reader of this information is advised that the writer and reviewers are not responsible for the continued currency of the information, for any errors or omission, and/or for any consequences arising from the use of the information in the self-directed learning module. Any reader of this document is cautioned that ASHP makes no representation, guarantee, or warranty, express or implied as to the accuracy and appropriateness of the information contained in this self-directed learning module, and will bear no responsibility or liability for the results or consequences of its use.