Patient Safety Week (October 25-29) Feature
Who helps prevent falls and knows their loved one’s daily routine? Care Partners (CP) and Essential Care Partners (ECP) do. CP/ECPs are individuals identified by the patient who will provide physical, psychological and emotional support. In honour of this year’s theme for Canadian Patient Safety Week, an annual campaign that inspires extraordinary improvement in patient safety and quality, CP/ECPs are highlighted for their integral and essential part of care provision.
To highlight how Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has enhanced the communication between the health care team, patient and CP/ECPs, Ian Casey, Registered Nurse and Care Partner Liaison (CPL) answered several FAQs associated with the CPL position at TBRHSC.
Explain the overall role of the CPL position, and why it was created?
The role of CPLs include three main components: communication, education and advocacy. CPLs act as a resource to enhance the communication between the health care team, patients, CPs, and ECPs. The role was initially established as a result of heightened pandemic visitor restrictions, however the need for CPLs has remained even as limitations have eased.
What are daily tasks of the CPL?
CPLs aim to connect with new patients and their families within 24 hours of admission. During this visit, the CPL reviews essential resources, such as Virtual Visitation, ECP/CP qualifications, infection control and safety precautions, and PPE use and responsibilities. Since the CPL is the main point of contact for CP/ECPs, they collaborate with the health care ream, unit manager, Patient Advocate, and other staff members with any patient concerns regarding care and services.
How have CPLs enhanced patient, family and staff experiences at TBRHSC?
The addition of the CPL position has helped to eliminate many issues stemming from pandemic restrictions. The CPL role has reduced anxiety and concerns of patients receiving care or services, informs available resources, and supports an optimal patient and family experience that is consistent with our Hospital’s mission while reflecting the core values of Patient & Family Centred Care.
How can staff, patients, or families connect with a CPL?
Currently, CPL are providing coverage 7 days a week through 1 full-time, and 2 part-time staff. In addition to general needs, the CPL can be contacted about patients after they have been admitted to the Hospital (in- patients) at (807) 684-7865. For support through the Emergency Department (ED), The ED Liaison can be contacted at (807) 630-6272 to support patients as out-patients or after they are admitted, but still in the ED.
CP/ECPs are not just ‘visitors’ but provide consistent support to a loved one throughout their care journey – improving patient safety, experience of care and outcomes. Canadian Patient Safety Week runs from October 25 to October 29, 2021. For more details, resources and education, visit www.healthcareexcellence.ca and click ‘Canadian Patient Safety Week’ under the tab ‘What we do’.