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April 13, 2016

Recreation therapy team at George Pearson Centre (Back, L to R): John Soucy, recreation programmer, Ron Stedman, recreation therapy supervisor, Pamela Kirby, recreation programmer. Front: Sharon Lum, recreation therapist (left) and Kim McCluskie, recreation programmer. Not pictured: Joy Fera, Recreation Therapist.

Accreditation Canada standards—it’s what we do every day

When the Accreditation Canada site visit takes place this September, care providers will be expected to explain how patient and family centred care—one of the underlying principles that the accreditation surveyors will be looking for throughout the system—is part of their work. The Recreation Therapy team at George Pearson Centre (GPC) won’t have any problem! It’s clear from their work that resident and family centred care is part of what they do every day.

A great example is how residents are encouraged to plan their own personal and group outings.

“Whatever the residents can think of doing, our recreation therapy team will do their best to make it happen,” says Romilda Ang, manager.

Social isolation is a significant concern for residents—especially for those who do not communicate in traditional ways. The Recreation Therapy team is skilled at finding innovating ways to engage and involve all residents including trips to local attractions, concerts, games and more.

“The team lives the philosophy of person-centred care,” says Romilda.

Are you prepared for Accreditation?

During the Accreditation Canada site visits this September, survey team members will be looking for four key values of patient and family-centred care:

  1. How we respect and honour patients and families’ preferences
  2. How we provide information that empowers and engages patients and families
  3. How we actively involve patients and families in care and decision making
  4. How we use feedback from patients and families to inform decisions about our programs

Surveyors may:

  • Talk to any discipline about how they engage the patient and family in assessment and care planning
  • Talk to patients and their loved ones about their experience of care, involvement in decision-making, and continuity at transition points
  • Ask to see printed patient information resources, including signage in public areas
  • Ask staff how they verify that patients and/or family members understand the information provided
  • Ask staff how they identify and work through ethical issues with patients and families including involving when appropriate VCH Ethics Services
  • Ask about patient experience surveys and other forms of feedback, and how they inform team initiatives
  • Ask about initiatives at VCH to engage with patients and families, and the communities we serve

Learn more

 

VCH 2016 Accredition Logo (final)