The aim of the project was to develop a culture of continuous quality improvement by motivating the Richelieu-Yamaska teams on a daily basis to optimize the patient experience. A number of factors played a part in the project’s implementation. Patient visits since 2012 in the organization turned up a number of points to improve. The compliance rates of certain indicators were not up to organizational expectations. An innovative solution had to be found to get the staff motivated about continuous improvement. That’s how “daily quality monitoring in the care units” was born!
The indicators to be monitored are determined by the unit’s care team, except for falls and medication-related errors. For the active geriatrics unit, the indicators are as follows:
1) planning of discharge; 2) grid for identifying falls, and therapeutic nursing plan completed within 24 hours; 3) walking program; 4) register of patients under control measures; 5) register of incontinence underwear; 6) register of hygiene care; 7) number of patients having fallen; 8) number of medication-related errors.
All indicators are entered in a register, along with a caregiver attendance sheet. Surveying these indicators has made analysis and rapid improvement possible. It has also helped to measure caregivers’ diligence.
A mobile board displays the targets for the indicators, the prioritized improvements and the number of improvement activities already being carried out (improvement ideas meter). The ideas meter is a stimulating element for the team. Timed meetings last for 10 minutes.
After having been implemented in the medicine unit (geriatrics), the project is now being rolled out in the short-term, long-term and rehabilitation units. For the care team, who are fully motivated by the project, quality has taken on a whole new meaning!
This process has fast-tracked the unit toward continuous quality improvement by concentrating on the patient experience. At the CSSS Richelieu Yamaska, this mobilizing project has been set up in a number of care units (short and long term) because it has become so popular.
Contact:
Title: Quality advisor
Email: danielle.cayer.cisssme16@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
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