One hundred years ago, most health care was delivered in homes or small offices. While the work of individual doctors, nurses and other professionals remains the foundation of health care delivery, today this care usually occurs within a healthcare system.

This module examines the structure of healthcare systems to understand how the structure and performance of these systems improves or impedes the quality of care patients receive.

We will also consider organizational culture within a healthcare system and its influence on the quality and safety of the system.

Note: This course is eligible for ACPE credit.

• Define a clinical microsystem
• Explain the reasons for focusing quality improvement on the microsystem level
• Identify a high-performing microsystem