Putting evidence into practice to elevate patient care
December 23, 2019
Collaboration among
healthcare providers is key for spreading best practices and elevating the quality
of patient care. Runnymede Healthcare Centre is joining a global network of
healthcare providers that’s known for outstanding care and exceptional patient
outcomes through a new partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of
Ontario (RNAO).
The
RNAO is a professional association representing registered nurses, nurse
practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. For nearly a century it’s promoted
clinical excellence and has been an influential advocate for quality improvement
in healthcare. One of their hallmark accomplishments is the Best Practice
Guidelines (BPG) program. Launched in 1999 with support from the Government of
Ontario, the program develops standards for best practices that are informed by
the most current scientific research.
BPGs
are developed through a collaborative process that involves consultation and
feedback from a diverse group of healthcare leaders, patients and the public.
Every five years the guidelines undergo a thorough review to ensure that they continue
to reflect the most up-to-date evidence to promote the very best patient
outcomes.
The
Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative was created by the RNAO to
provide support for healthcare organizations that are implementing the
guidelines. Runnymede is currently working with the RNAO to integrate multiple guidelines
into its policies and procedures. After successfully sustaining the new evidence-based
practices for three years, the hospital will receive the BPSO designation.
Recognized worldwide, it’s a distinction that will reinforce Runnymede’s
reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
“Quality
improvement is woven throughout Runnymede’s culture from the top-down and
bottom-up and participation in the BPSO program demonstrates our hospital’s capacity
to build on our strengths and raise the bar for patient care and safety,” said
Runnymede’s Executive Vice President, Clinical, Chief Operating Officer and
Chief Nursing Executive, Raj Sewda.
Runnymede
has chosen to implement best practices related to person- and family-centred
care, care transitions, falls prevention and injury reduction and pressure
injury assessment and management. Staff champions have been identified to
support the rigorous implementation process and they will be provided with continuous
mentorship and education throughout the process.
“Empowering
staff on the front lines is essential as it provides them with an opportunity
to own the process and ensure that these practices are sustained in the
long-term,” said Runnymede’s Director of Flow, Quality Pharmacy and Privacy,
Catherine Fitzpatrick.
Runnymede is wasting no time in moving forward and the person- and family-centred care guideline will be rolled-out hospital-wide in early 2020. Enhancing person- and family-centred care is at the heart of a new model of care delivery being introduced by the Government of Ontario. Runnymede and its partners in the newly formed North Western Toronto Ontario Health Team (NWT OHT) are the first to sign up to undergo the BPSO process as a team. Together with its NWT OHT partners, Runnymede is positioned to leverage this process to create a more patient-centred healthcare system that aligns with the government’s vision.