OHA launches 2010 guidebook on leading practices in patient safety

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) launched the 2010 Guidebook on Leading Practices in Patient Safety entitled "Advancing Patient Safety through Ideas and Innovations", during this year's HealthAchieve. The guidebook, which highlights innovative patient safety initiatives across the province, has now been posted on the OHA's website (www.oha.com), to help share these accomplishments among a wider audience.

"The OHA has a very strong commitment to improving quality and patient safety throughout the health system, and believes that that the safety of the patient should be at the core of all quality improvements," said OHA President and CEO Tom Closson. 

Over 140 submissions were rigorously reviewed by an expert panel, but only 31 were selected for the guidebook. Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) won the OHA Patient Safety Award and a $5,000 cash prize sponsored by 3M for their submission, Post-Discharge Phone Call Program - Improving Transitions in Care.  Through this program, TEGH contacts patients within 24 to 48 hours after a hospital visit, to ensure patients understand and follow discharge instructions, schedule follow-up appointments and medication counseling, if needed.

"Implementing post-discharge phone calls with a safety-focus first, and a service-focus second, allows for timely two-way communication between client and provider that improves patient safety, satisfaction and service, along with staff satisfaction," said Doreen Ouellet, Director of Ethics and Research at TEGH.

The guidebook showcases noteworthy patient safety initiatives from all over Ontario, including:

• Dryden Regional Health Centre's Northern Surgical Outreach Program which eliminated surgical cancellations among its northern patients - saving the organization $36,000 annually. The program also improved safety by deploying various tactics after surgery to overcome language barriers, coordinate travel arrangements, enhance communication among caregivers, and decrease patient anxiety.
• Using LEAN methodology, North York General Hospital achieved and sustained a major reduction in pressure ulcers, or bed sores, from 21% to 8.5% in just two years. In addition to improving outcomes for patients, reducing Stage III pressure ulcers saved about $277,400 and 249 excess bed days.
• Windsor Regional Hospital succeeded in reducing the number of critical care patients that developed Ventilator Associated Pneumonia by consistently implementing best practices, using an electronic data collection tool, and by conducting audits and feedback with physician support.

To download the 2010 OHA Guidebook, visit www.oha.com.