What have we learned?

Over the past two years, what lessons have we learned from and about COVID?

First Nations: ER triage scores in Alberta

A study conducted by Patrick McLane, Cheryl Barnabe, Leslee Mackey, Lea Bill, Katherine Rittenbach, Brian R. Holroyd, Anne Bird, Bonnie Healy, Kris Janvier, Eunice Louis and Rhonda J. Rosychuk found that First Nations people in Alberta recieved different triage scores than other populations. According to the researchers, “Systemic racism, stereotyping and differential access to health care resources (especially primary care), as well as factors such as communication and level of patient trust in the health care system, may all contribute to differences in triage scores between First Nations and non–First Nations patients.”

Click here to read the study.

Help to Define Patient Safety

What is Patient Safety?

What does “patient safety” mean?

The University Health Network Open Lab team is working closely with the safety team at Healthcare Excellence Canada on their Defining Safety project. The goal of this project is to understand perspectives on the definition and future of patient safety from patients, caregivers, professionals, and leaders across Canada.

As a means of obtaining insights and ideas from Canadians, a ‘thought exchange’ about patient safety has been created. This exchange is a completely anonymous platform that provides space for participants to describe what they think the salient features are that should be included in a definition of patient safety.

If you live in Canada and want to join in the conversation on patient safety, click here.

Facility-based care?

Alberta Health is conducting a review that focuses on supportive living and long-term care in Alberta. The goal of this initiative is to improve “the lives of continuing care residents and their families, resident care outcomes, the satisfaction and quality of work environment of staff, and the cost effectiveness of facility-based continuing care service delivery.” Included as part of the review are the thoughts and input of Albertans regarding the future of facility-based continuing care in the province. Click here to share your ideas about this important issue.

Elderly and Frail Only?

Visiting at What Cost?

Visiting loved ones in long-term care facilities during COVID-19 has been difficult at best. However, accommodations and adaptations by both facilities and families/friends have been done to make “visiting” loved ones possible.

Unfortunately, the visiting-related actions of an individual in Calgary may have compromised future visits as well as the health and well-being of residents and staff. Click here to read the story.

How Many More?

How many more doctors in Alberta are going to be sending their patients a similar letter as the one Brenda recieved?