RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization

In April 2006, SEHC was officially designated a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO). This designation recognizes our continuous, pioneering efforts to raise the bar in evidence-based practice. This has been done by implementing, sustaining and monitoring best practice guidelines (BPGs) used in a number of clinical areas such as chronic disease management, care of seniors, IV therapy, mental health, maternal/child, and palliative care.

The use of evidence informed decision making, including the use of guidelines, is directly aligned with our vision to honour the human face of health care. The use of evidence in care is an important part of achieving the vision and is part of the fabric of the organization. This includes not only embedding evidence in decision making to achieve high quality outcomes, but also creating evidence through the conduct of research and knowledge creation projects.

Over the last six years, numerous guidelines have been implemented across the organization, such as Assessment and Management of Delirium, Dementia and Depression , Assessment and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers, and Assessment and Management of Pain especially in palliative care. As well, several healthy work environment guidelines have been implemented including Preventing and Managing Violence in the Workplace Best Practice Guidelines, and Crisis Prevention and Intervention.

To support the use of best practices, several organizational processes and infrastructures have been created including:

• evidence informed documentation systems;
• evidence informed Policy and Procedures; and
• use of evidence as an indicator in nurses’ job descriptions

In addition, staff are recognized for their contribution to quality care through activities such as RNAO Clinical and Leadership Fellowships.

For more information on the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, please visit the RNAO website, www.rnao.org