Global EQuIPS Elective – International students

Introduction to the Global EQUIPS Elective for International Students

The Global EQUIPS Elective offers an immersive, comprehensive learning experience for international medical students interested in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Primary Care, Improvement science, Patient Safety and understanding the complex healthcare systems in the United States.

Hosted by the EQuIPS innovators, leaders and Directors, Dr Erum Azhar, M.D, MS PHS, MHQS, MS PHS, CPPS, Program Director- Dignity Health-East Valley OBGYN Residency Program and co-director Dr Abdul Waheed, M.D, MS PHS, FAAFP - Academic Chair - Dignity Health Medical Group Family, this elective aims to equip students with a deep understanding of Equity, Quality Improvement (QI) Processes, and Patient Safety. Through a rich curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, students will develop the skills necessary to analyze healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and promote safe, equitable care across diverse clinical settings.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to introduce students to fundamental QI concepts, including evidence-based methodologies, tools, and frameworks used to assess and enhance healthcare systems. In addition to lectures and videos, students will engage with experts in Improvement Science and complete IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) modules that provide in-depth education on quality improvement principles. Suggested readings, such as Measuring Quality Improvement in Healthcare by Robert Lloyd and The Improvement Guide by Gerald Langley, will also be integral to the learning process.

By aligning the program with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones for residents and fellows, we aim to ensure that medical students learn and progress from novice to advanced competency in QI, particularly in the domains of patient safety and process improvement.

The global EQUIPS Elective will offer international medical students a dedicated one-month rotation to develop a personal wellness quality improvement (PWQI) project under the mentorship of healthcare quality experts, culminating in a presentation on “Friday PWQI Day.” During this time, students will also complete IHI’s Basic Certification in Patient Safety through online modules with mentorship, further reinforcing their understanding of key safety concepts, learning social determinants of health, healthcare disparities and equity in the complex healthcare system in the United States. Please note our Program does not sponsor Visa currently for the elective.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the EQUIPS Elective is to foster a comprehensive understanding of quality improvement, patient safety, and healthcare equity among international medical students and residents. By the end of the elective, students will be expected to:

1. Discuss Aspects of Patient Safety

  • Define patient safety and explain its significance in healthcare.
  • Identify and describe adverse events and near misses.
  • Discuss the concept of a “culture of safety” and “Just Culture” algorithm and its impact on healthcare organizations.
  • Summarize key findings from the Institute of Medicine report “To Err is Human”. 

2. Understand Quality Improvement Processes

  • Describe quality improvement processes and their applications in healthcare.
  • Recognize and explain various QI methodologies, such as the Modal for Improvement (Plan, Do, Study, Act), Lean methodology, and Six Sigma.
  • Define continuous quality improvement and identify its seven key tools, including their uses in real-world scenarios.
  • Develop essential skills to create and apply an Ishikawa (cause-and-effect) diagram, a Driver diagram, and a Process map to hypothetical case studies. 

3. Data Collection and Analysis

  • Differentiate between probability and non-probability sampling methods for data collection.
  • Practice entering and analyzing baseline data using statistical software.
  • Demonstrate the application of high-impact interventions using an impact-effort matrix to prioritize QI initiatives.

4. Introduction to Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control

  • Understand and list the key aspects of run charts and control charts (I-MR).
  • Define variation in the context of healthcare and distinguish between common and special cause variations.
  • Analyze sample data and apply appropriate statistical techniques to interpret variation in healthcare processes. 

By the conclusion of the elective, students will not only understand the principles of QI but also gain the hands-on experience needed to implement and drive meaningful improvements in healthcare settings, enhancing both patient safety and outcomes.    

Questions?

Contact Johana Tapia at [email protected].