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.