News 2017

A new Network initiative is exploring development of guidelines and best practices for inter-organizational transfer of accountability (TOA) to support effective and seamless transitions and improve patient safety. This approach aligns with the MOHLTC-mandated LHIN focus on improving how patients move through the system and Accreditation Canada’s focus on information transfer at care transitions. As […]

The Network is working with the Toronto Stroke Networks to improve flow for hip fracture and stroke patients with complex needs. Earlier this year, the Networks convened a think tank of front line staff and managers from across the five GTA LHINs. One outcome was a detailed complexity framework that identifies the complex psychosocial, functional […]

The Network is expanding its work on outpatient rehabilitation data to analyze demand and unmet need for all patient populations. The Network has helped hospitals in Toronto Central LHIN report standardized outpatient data for patients with total joint replacement, stroke and hip fracture since 2014/15. By expanding the scope beyond these quality-based procedures, the initiative […]

The Network’s early referral initiative to rehab for hip fracture is shifting gears. Ten acute care and ten rehabilitation hospital sites implemented the early referral process for patients with hip fractures over the last two years. Almost all sites approached or surpassed the six-day target for ALOS from surgery to discharge to inpatient rehabilitation. All […]

Health Quality Ontario (HQO) has released its new Hip Fracture Quality Standard: Care for People with Fragility Fractures. The quality standard includes 15 quality statements addressing areas identified by HQO’s Hip Fracture Quality Standard Advisory Committee as having high potential for improving the quality of hip fracture care in Ontario. The quality statements address care […]

The Network has released an updated repatriation policy for rehabilitation patients that require admission to acute care. The policy, which was developed with acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, will enhance flow and reduce inefficiencies. A survey and data review revealed that the 2010 bed holding policy was not being applied consistently. It was also inefficient: […]

The Network is partnering with the three Toronto Stroke Networks to improve flow for patients with complex needs who experience a hip fracture or stroke. These patients, a subgroup of hip fracture and stroke populations, experience extended ALC stays in hospital for a variety of reasons, including co-morbid medical conditions, time needed for functional recovery […]

Healthcare Quarterly has published a case study profiling the Network’s hip fracture early referral initiative. The Network was invited to submit the case study to the Healthcare Quarterly issue focused on innovation and quality improvement in health services delivery. The case study describes the process of implementing an early referral model, interim results and lessons […]

The Network has added an additional project manager to increase its capacity to support Network members and the GTA LHINs. Sanja Milicic Iafrate joins the Network from the Toronto Central CCAC where she was Client Service Manager for Community Programs. She had held various positions with the CCAC, including Care Coordinator at Toronto Rehab/UHN and […]

The Network’s 2016/17 annual report is now available. The report provides a brief overview of our activities over the past year.