The program for the fourth day of Canada’s Virtual Forum on Patient Safety and Quality Improvement showcased presentations on infection control, hand hygiene, just culture and healthy workplaces.
Dr. Michael Gardam (University Health Network) opened the day with a profile of 
results from a Canadian Patient Safety Institute funded study of using positive deviance to decrease healthcare associated infections. He stressed the importance of using positive outliers that already have the answers to complex problems to address patient safety issues. The Vancouver Island Health Authority is using a risk-based approach to infection prevention to improve access, patient flow and patient dignity; Martin Wale shared how the results of a pilot project have been implemented island-wide and the sustainable cost savings that have been achieved. Mark Wells, AUPE presented clips from a “Superbugs” video that illustrates the importance of a team approach, how cleaning staff are an important element in infection prevention and control, and that employee stability and engagement translates into better patient outcomes.
Creating a just and trusting culture in healthcare is a daunting task and Mark Fleming (Saint Mary’s University) provided some helpful tips on how to bring healthcare teams on board. He challenged all healthcare teams to use the patient narratives as a valuable learning tool to reflect on their own team culture, how they would do things differently and any barriers for improvement.
Dr. Denny LaPorta (Jewish General Hospital) looked at the challenge of implementing hand hygiene programs, outlining how to empower staff, engage leadership, measure, and provide feedback; the presentation was delivered in French; slides will be available in English.
Other presentations focused on work and care. Patsy Smith (Capital Health) explored safety issues and concerns outlined in the Patient Safety in Primary Care in Canada research report that looked at solutions and strategies and the impact of expanding collaborative teams in primary care. Lisa Ashley (Canadian Nurses Association) discussed findings from research on nurse fatigue and patient safety. Pamela Fralick (Quality Worklife Quality Healthcare Collaborative) highlighted the work of the Collaborative and the continuing need for a focus on healthy healthcare workplaces. This initiative is an invaluable resource for change management and knowledge exchange.
An overview on the Safer Healthcare Now! interventions and the Patient Safety Metrics measurement tool were provided, with an invitation to join upcoming virtual learning opportunities.
It’s not too late to join the conversation! Click here to join for the final day of the Virtual Forum to hear courageous patient narratives, interactive presentations, and thought-provoking discussion. Questions and comments are encouraged; send an email to info@patientsafetyinstitute.ca.