VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that it has been designated a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) for the 2021-2023 term.

VHA has proudly been a BPSO since 2015. The designation recognizes success in implementing and evaluating Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) developed by the RNAO, providing the highest level of professional practice and delivering evidence-based care across all disciplines.

“Continuing to be a BPSO designate aligns with VHA’s mission: Creating possibilities for more independence, championing the needs of our clients and families and delivering high quality, integrated care,” said Dr. Kathryn Nichol, VHA’s President and CEO. “I am incredibly proud of our amazing team for excelling in the advancement of this important priority for VHA and demonstrating our commitment to continuous quality improvement and safety.”

To date, VHA has implemented seven guidelines over three terms as a BPSO. In its upcoming term, VHA will be implementing two new BPGs: Assessment and Care of Adults at Risk for Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour and Preventing Violence and Harassment and Bullying Against Health Workers.

“RNAO congratulates VHA on successfully completing another two years as a BPSO Designate. Your continued support to nursing and the interprofessional team to build capacity, maximize clinical excellence through use of RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines and evaluate outcomes is commendable,” said RNAO’s Heather McConnell in a letter to VHA.

A few highlights of VHA’s BPSO journey over the last term include contributing learnings and evidence-based findings with the wider nursing community through panels, conferences, published research and acting as a mentor to other partners and home care agencies that are beginning their BPSO journey.

VHA also significantly grew its Best Practice Champions professional development program over the last term. From 2020 to 2021, Best Practice Champions across nursing, rehab and personal support increased from 50 to nearly 200.

“The responsibility of being a BPSO is an honour,” said Matt Wong, VHA’s Manager of Professional Practice and BPSO lead. “To build our community of practice, my team and I foster organization-wide enthusiasm around our BPGs to effect change that will have a positive impact on client care at VHA and the wider home care sector. We look forward to continuing to advance our progress and success in the program.”

To learn more about VHA’s Best Practice Spotlight work, please visit https://www.vha.ca/commitment-to-quality/bpso/.