Painless policy review… really…
What do you do when you’ve got 130 policies that all need to be reviewed and updated? You set up a clear, streamlined process, and then you tackle them one policy at a time.
The systematic review and updating of about 130 corporate and administrative policies began in January 2013 and is due to be complete by December 31. Paige Thomson, the policy advisor coordinating the effort, worked with others at VCH to set up a clear review process and new user-friendly tools and templates. She says the feedback so far has been great.
Paige Thomson
“Most staff who are reviewing policies or who are policy ‘owners’, say that it’s been a fairly painless process,” said Paige.
About one-third of the policy reviews and updates are complete as of this update, and staff members have been noticing the difference that the new process and support has made.
“We are revising the Life Limb Threatened Organ policy and the Higher Level Care policy and Paige’s guidance on the policy structure and format was really helpful. She walked me through the process and answered questions. It saved time,” said Dixie Butts, regional director critical care/medicine council.
Christina Tonella, a regional manager in the Tobacco Reduction Program says her experience was really positive.
“It’s great to have support so you’re not going through the process on your own. I am grateful for Paige’s assistance, expertise, and the new consistent regional format,” said Christina.
The new process and support isn’t just for policies being updated. It’s for new policies too. In fact, there is a new one-stop shop on VCH Connect for all your policy needs.
December 31—wrapping it all up
As of this update about 40 of 130 policies have been completed. The deadline for the review is December 31, so if you’re working on a policy revision or may have one coming up you can talk to Paige.
Watch for communication about policies that may have changed recently due to the review.
Information about developing new policies can be found on VCH Connect.
Related links:
Making a difference, one policy at a time