Quality Outcomes Essentials
This is a self-paced, comprehensive program designed to provide UPMC staff the knowledge and skills needed to initiate and support quality initiatives within the framework of UPMC policies, practices, and expectations. Modules may be completed in sequence or according to the participant’s needs. New quality directors will be required to complete each module to fulfill orientation requirements.
A UPMC Wolff Learning Academy Certificate of Completion is available for the Quality Director Essentials program for UPMC employees and staff who complete the following asynchronous courses:
- Introduction to Quality at UPMC
- QI Projects, Research, and REDCap at UPMC
- Federal Quality and Public Reporting
- National Quality and Public Reporting
- State Quality and Public Reporting
- Commercial Payor Programs

Obtain the Quality Outcomes Essentials Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of all 6 courses, complete this form. Once program completion is verified, you will receive an electronic certificate of completion within two weeks. Non-nursing participants can also apply for an annual renewal certificate of completion as the new quality outcomes are published, typically around spring of each calendar year. If you are applying for an annual renewal certificate of completion the Federal, National, State, and Commercial Payor courses only must be completed. Please email WolffLearningA@upmc.edu with any questions about the UPMC Wolff Learning Academy Quality Outcomes Essentials Certificate of Completion.
Introduction to Quality at UPMC
This module provides a basic introduction to the core elements of quality and the quality structure that exists within UPMC. Topics discussed in this module are the Wolff Center at UPMC divisions and services, Quality Analytics, Clinical Complications, Quality Data Abstraction, and Quality Improvement (QI) and Research.

QI Projects, Research, and REDCap at UPMC
This course is designed to guide those new to quality improvement (QI) through submitting a project to the Quality Improvement Review Committee (QRC), briefly introducing both the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process and REDCap as a data tracking tool. It can also help determine whether your project is a QI or research project.
Federal Quality and Public Reporting
This course features measures, links, and outcomes for many federal programs and applications such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Quality Net (QNet), Patient Experience and HCAHPS, Center for Disease Control (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), and the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement.
National Quality and Public Reporting
This course focuses on measures and outcomes of The Joint Commission, The Leapfrog Group, and U.S. News & World Report.
Pennsylvania Quality and Public Reporting
This course focuses on measures and outcomes for Hospital Quality Incentive Program (HQIP), PA Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4), and The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Updated annually – last updated for February 2021 outcomes.
Commercial Payor Programs
This course focuses on measures and outcomes for the Highmark Quality Blue, UnitedHealthcare Hospital Performance Based Compensation (HPBC), and UPMC Health Plan Hospital Partners programs. Updated annually – last updated for December 2020 outcomes.
UPMC System Professional Practice Evaluation Committee (PPEC)
This course is a brief introduction to the PPEC and its process, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of those selected to serve as PPEC reviewers. This course is not part of the Quality Directors Certificate of Completion program.
Register for UPMC System Professional Practice Evaluation Committee (PPEC)
Highmark True Performance and STARS Education Series
A dedicated series of training videos intended for the staff of UPMC Physician Practices to manage the performance of Highmark members in the True Performance and Medicare Advantage Stars Programs. These videos will cover the different types of Tax ID Levels, Practice Level reports available from Highmark, and how to utilize them for quality performance and measure gap management.
Register for the Highmark True Performance and STARS Education Series