Posted on: June 7, 2023
The Long-term Care Quality Framework was created to define a process and accountability structure to focus on the quality of person-centred care. This is more than just complying with licensing regulations (which is a minimum requirement); it is about providing and supporting four major components that make up the delivery of the service.
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With the recent release of two national standards for LTC Services (HSO 21001:2023 and LTC Operations & Infection Prevention and Control (CSA Z8004:22), consider developing a person-centred care strategic plan based on these standards as it also aligns with the quality framework mentioned above. A third standard is in development based on a publication to support the mental health and well-being of residents in LTC.
Back to the initial question above about assurance of and sustaining quality….Quality Resource Leaders (QRLs) joined the LTC Quality team back in October 2022 and have been an integral part of the practical side of quality work. They are very busy in completing annual quality site visits. They review the quality scorecard with leaders to discuss goals and challenges of planning for quality improvement. The entire LTC Quality team is involved in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics Initiative with Health Quality BC as part of the pan-Canadian Healthcare Excellence Canada's Re-Imagining LTC Initiative.
In addition to this, QRLs provide relevant Island Health policies and procedures to Affiliates when requested, be a resource for all LTC homes (60 and counting) in quality improvement planning and provide on-site guidance as requested. Examples of types of support the QRLs provide are topics on trauma sensitive care, harm reduction or behavioral care planning. Supporting homes and teams to dive deeper in understanding resident needs by using available tools e.g. behaviour charting (BSO-DOS), developing a resident story and using a PIECESTM approach, supports the care teams to gain the confidence and experience in person-centred plans of care.
The Quality Assurance and Contract Monitoring Team is involved in various working groups to support and work on Island Health's strategic outcome goals that are specific to Long-term Care:
- Long-term Care Wait Time
- Vacancy Management Pilot
- 7 Day Admission Pilot
- Potentially Inappropriate Use of Antipsychotics
- Care Coach Program
- RAI Process Improvement Program
- Evenings and Weekends Activities Pilot
If you have any questions or want to learn more on how we can help, please contact: LTCCoach@islandhealth.ca