Surgery and Operative Services communication working group

Janna Klyne, Alison Hogarth, Lisa Chiasson-Dulaba, Michelle Kakoullis, Candace Pollmann, Priscilla Zatylny, Heidi DeLange, Justin Marillier, Craig Needham, Rachelle Mamela, Crystal Weisser, Shirley Singh, Kathleen Stuart, Jennifer Narayan

Over a year ago, the Covenant Health quality team completed a review of an adverse event. The review included multiple recommendations for quality improvement within the surgery and operative portfolios. One of the recommendations was around communication within the interdisciplinary teams. This led to the communications working group forming and meeting frequently to develop intense education plans for frontline staff within surgery, operative and women’s health teams as well as surgeons and anesthesiology.

The quality review highlighted that communications amongst all levels of the care team plays a vital role in patient safety. The communications working group developed an education action plan to present to staff and physicians on topics including: patient harm, just culture, psychological safety, bystander intervention and the WAITT communication tool (how to address and respond to a concern).

As part of this education framework, staff and physicians received education about the impacts of overall team dynamics including bias, microaggression and communication as well as how they impact patient safety or harm. The purpose of the education was to give the frontline audience an opportunity to evaluate their personal experiences and reflect on them. In addition to this work, the working group shared plans for incorporating simulations and online learning to ensure this learning continues.

The working group demonstrated a prompt response to an adverse event. It also shows a commitment to providing a safe environment where staff feel secure and supported in addressing concerns.