Primary Community Health Care and Quality of Service

This course provides an introduction to primary healthcare (PHC) and universal health coverage (UHC), emphasizing the integration of quality management principles in healthcare systems. Students will explore the various dimensions of healthcare quality and the concepts of Total Quality Management (TQM). The course will cover essential tools for quality improvement, the cost of quality, and the fundamentals of quality systems within health organizations. By focusing on both the philosophical and practical aspects of quality management, this course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to improve healthcare delivery at the primary care level while ensuring efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

1. Define primary healthcare and explain its role in achieving universal health coverage.
2. Analyze the principles and goals of UHC and how they relate to equity, accessibility, and affordability in healthcare systems.
3. Identify and describe the key dimensions of healthcare quality, including effectiveness, safety, patient-centeredness, efficiency, and equity.
4. Explain the importance of continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and systematic processes in TQM.
5. Develop strategies to implement quality improvement initiatives in healthcare settings, particularly at the primary care level.
6. Explain the concept of the cost of quality and its significance in healthcare management.
7. Evaluate and recommend quality systems that can be implemented to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services.