In 2008, the OHA and CPSI worked collaboratively on a Roundtable event and publication of a Background Paper outlining the current issues in patient safety across mental health settings. After the success of the final background paper publication “Patient Safety in Mental Health,” both organizations have jointly identified the need to further refine this work and gain a deeper understanding of a particular patient safety issue facing the mental health in Canada.
The OHA and CPSI have continued their collaborative partnership to examine patient safety issues in the mental health sector in Canada. Following this work, both organizations have agreed to continue to explore specific patient safety issues facing the mental health sector and develop a practical resource to support improved patient safety within the field. The specific focus and scope of work has been determined by a small working group of the OHA and CPSI, following consultation with several key stakeholders who provided feedback and direction that this project should focus on suicide risk prevention. This suggestion to focus on suicide was in keeping with the findings from the final background paper, which acknowledged the need for the identification and implementation of a standardized suicide risk assessment tool as a priority.
For this next phase of work, the CPSI and OHA are providing funding to support this work and the OHA will be responsible for the project management associated with this initiative.
For more information about this initiative, contact Sandi Kossey at skossey@cpsi-icsp.ca.