West Haldimand General Hospital: Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO)

What is a BPSO?

Best Practice Spotlight Organizations (BPSOs) are healthcare and academic institutions selected by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) to implement and evaluate RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs). This dynamic partnership is designed to make a positive impact on patient outcomes, provider experience and lower cost of care through evidence-based practices.

What are Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs)?

Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) are evidence-based and research-informed guidelines that support best practices, quality care, and a healthy, safe care environment. The development of these guidelines is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and executed by the RNAO.

Our journey to becoming a BPSO

In April 2024, West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH) became a BPSO pre-designate! This pre-designation marks the beginning of our three-year journey to implement RNAO’s BPGs, develop our staff as Best Practice Champions, and build a culture of evidence-based practice across all aspects of care delivery. Our goal is to enrich the professional practice of nurses and other healthcare providers and consistently achieve positive patient outcomes.

Guidelines we’re implementing

As part of our commitment, WHGH has chosen to implement the following Best Practice Guidelines:

1. Transitions in Care and Services
2. Persons and Family-Centred Care
3. Delirium and Dementia

What is a Best Practice Champion?

Best Practice Champions are nurses, healthcare professionals, community partners and persons with lived experiences passionate about evidence-based practice and improving patient care. These dedicated individuals raise awareness of BPGs, understand change management, motivate their colleagues, and influence the adoption of best practices within the workplace. Our Best Practice Champions play key roles in mentoring, educating, and initiating policy and practice changes across our organization.

Join us as a Best Practice Champion!

Are you a community member, nurse, or allied health professional interested in becoming a Best Practice Champion at WHGH? We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team! This voluntary position involves the following:

1. Complete Free Training: Best Practice Champions will undergo free training at their own pace through an online portal. Upon completion, Champions will receive a certificate from the RNAO and a Best Practice Champion pin.
2. Get Involved in a BPG Team: Champions will join a Best Practice Guideline (BPG) team of their choice and participate in scheduled meetings. If you can’t attend a meeting, you’re encouraged to provide input to the project lead and review the meeting minutes.
3. Share Knowledge: Champions will share the knowledge gained from BPG implementation with colleagues, staff, residents, and families. They may also be involved in auditing, gathering feedback, and providing education and training. As a Champion, you’ll serve as a key resource.

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in becoming a Best Practice Champion or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Edwards, Director of Quality, at jennifer.edwards@whgh.ca 

This work is part of the BPSO Designation Program, funded by the Government of Ontario. For more information about the RNAO BPSO Program, please visit RNAO.ca.