Richmond’s CSAEs are among the lowest in VCH

Care teams at Richmond Hospital are leading the way when it comes to improving patient care quality through the reduction of Care Sensitive Adverse Events (CSAEs).

Recently released results show that Richmond’s CSAE rate for the last two periods was 14.8 and 17.3 per 1,000 discharges, respectively. The average across Vancouver Coastal Health is 34.4.

Reducing the number of adverse events – pneumonia, urinary tract infections, falls resulting in fractures, and pressure ulcers — is an important part of improving patient outcomes.

“We have less than half of the adverse events than what the other Communities of Care are experiencing,” said Jennifer MacKenzie, chief operating officer, VCH Richmond, in a recent note to staff. “You truly are role models for exemplary patient care. I am so very proud of you.”

It takes teamwork

Reducing the numbers of CSAEs has been an on-going and multidisciplinary effort. Care teams within Richmond Hospital have implemented a number of quality-improvement initiatives over the past year to improve patient care. Their success is evidenced in the recent results.

For instance, care teams on 3Acute and 3Sub Acute have been regularly tracking for CSAEs through the use of safety crosses. Results are shared with all unit staff during daily huddles.

“Our daily huddles around Releasing Time to Care helps to keep the conversation going about CSAEs and what we can do to improve patient outcomes,” said Harjender Walia, manager, Medical Services, Occupational Therapy and Social Work.

Regular audits, continuous improvement

Audits are central to improving patient care, allowing us to identify quality improvement opportunities to reduce incidents of CSAEs.

“This work is about so much more than data collection,” said Lisa Stewart, practice initiative lead, Richmond Hospital. “At its heart, this entire process is really about ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care to prevent adverse events while they’re in our care.”