CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - The idea of what constitutes a "healthcare team" is incomplete. Too often, patients and family members are not included as part of the team and the lack of cohesion and teamwork that follows can lead to negative outcomes for those seeking care.
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) and Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC) are determined to turn the page and usher in a new age where patients, families and providers can partner with one another to achieve safe care, and more successful outcomes.
With that goal in mind, CPSI and PFPSC are proud to unveil: Engaging Patients in Patient Safety – a Canadian Guide.
Written by patients and providers, the Guide exemplifies how the power of partnership can make care safer and gives everyone involved the tools they need to make it happen.
"When patients and healthcare providers partner effectively, the results are powerful," said Chris Power, CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. "We believe this Guide will bring much needed resources to everyone engaging in the healthcare system to work together."
The Guide is organized into four chapters, each focused on a different aspect of patient engagement in patient safety. Each chapter in the guide contains a "What You Can Do" section that gives users concrete ideas for action. It is also designed to be used in all healthcare settings, from acute care to home care and everywhere in between. As an online resource, it will be updated periodically as new evidence and best practices in patient engagement emerge.
For Denice Klavano, past Co-Chair from Patients for Patient Safety Canada, the Guide brings renewed hope that meaningful engagement between providers and patients can be more than just lip service.
"I really hope that what people take away from our stories, or from hearing about our experiences, is to ask: 'What do you need?' 'How can I serve you today?' 'How can I meet your needs today?" Klavano said. "Don't tell me what I need and don't dictate what my pathway will be. Instead, join me and ask me what it looks like from my view and how you can help on that path."
"Patient safety is a tricky area to do engagement. When preventable harm or other safety issues come up, many healthcare organizations are hesitant to work with patients and families to improve care," says Amy Lang, Director, Patient, Caregiver and Public Engagement, Health Quality Ontario. "Patients and families have important information that helps us understand how harm happens and ultimately, how to prevent future harm. The real value of this Guide is that it provides good advice on how to work together, and shows the benefit of having those challenging conversations."
The Engaging Patients in Patient Safety – a Canadian Guide is available at www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/engagingpatients.
About Canadian Patient Safety Institute
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and facilitate implementation of ideas and best practices to achieve a transformation in patient safety. Funded by Health Canada, CPSI reflects the desire to close the gap between the healthcare we have and the healthcare we deserve.
www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca
About Patients for Patient Safety Canada
Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC) is a patient-led program of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. They are the voice of the patient and bring their first-hand safety experiences to help improve patient safety at all levels of the healthcare system. By working in partnership with the system, PFPSC helps to ensure that patient safety decisions and initiatives are truly patient-centred and result in safe care.
www.patientsforpatientsafety.ca
SOURCE Canadian Patient Safety Institute
For media inquiries, please contact: Karla Horon, Marketing Manager, Canadian Patient Safety Institute, Phone (780) 721-5280
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