What is IHI Open School?
The IHI Open School is a global learning community which aims to develop skills in improvement, system design and leadership. There are excellent resources available, including a number of e-learning modules in topics such as the model for improvement, human factors, interpreting run charts and key dimensions for person-centred care.
I find the website very useful and use the resources a lot. I have used the learning to assist me in developing a measurement for improvement course which I run in house
The courses are each made up of several short lessons, which include videos, case studies and end-of-lesson assessments to test you knowledge. The lessons and courses can be completed in different sittings, allowing you to dip in and out when you have the time. They can also be accessed from mobile devices, making it even easier to complete when you have a few minutes spare!
The IHI Open School also runs two courses that support learners who are leading improvement projects. One course is specifically designed for projects being undertaken in a clinical setting and the other is for project focusing on the wider community.
Our whole improvement department use IHI in all our improvement work and find it invaluable when explaining improvement to others
Get involved
Members can access IHI Open School by using Q’s discount code. Once you are registered you will have access to IHI Open School for the remainder of the year (i.e. up until January) and can make use of all the learning modules and help. There are however a limited number of tickets available, so if you would like to take advantage of this offer please register as soon as possible.
What Q members say about IHI Open School:
Tanya Thorsen, Radiotherapy Quality Assurance Manager, Berkshire Cancer Centre
How has it helped with your improvement work?
Any new information that can influence your critical thinking is of use, even if the actual application of this theory is not in a tangible recordable format. I actually found the start session, were I thought I already knew most of it, very useful as it refreshed and offered an alternative view on ideas and theories.
Who do you think would most benefit from using IHI Open School?
I think individuals of all experience level could benefit. I thought it was going to be too basic for me and ended up enjoying it.
I have learned and expanded my knowledge and understanding of theory and techniques so feel it was a worthwhile use of my time.
Jo Murray, Patient Safety Programme Manager, Oxford AHSN
What IHI modules have you found most interesting?
All of them- they give examples from other countries which is helpful to get different perspectives. My current role is working across health sectors regionally so helps to think outside ‘boxes’.
Who do you think would most benefit from using IHI Open School?
Anyone as a refresher and to dip into modules that you might not have covered before. They are in handy short sessions. Set aside time in your diary to do this- once a week/month so that you support yourself to have some ‘CPD’ time.
I have done about 7 IHI modules and have found them very accessible. I recommend them to doctors in training in my specialty and also to folk I meet with a QI focus