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Learning Objective 1: Describe experiences of a Health Center Multidisciplinary Team in acknowledging and rectifying their limitations from a self-assessment survey during Phase One of their accreditation journey
Learning Objective 2: Appreciate the goals and values of a multidisciplinary team approach to overcoming anxiety and uncertainties associated with an accreditation process
Purpose: Stoney Health Center (SHC), serving Stoney First Nations population in Morley, Alberta since the 1970s, has embarked on an accreditation journey for a peer review process to examine its programs and services against standards of excellence, with the goal to evaluate and improve quality of services to the clientele. Methods: A self-assessment survey was conducted in collaboration with Accreditation Canada between June and September 2010. A 17-item questionnaire was completed by 285 clients (57% response rate), and an 87-item questionnaire completed electronically by a multidisciplinary health care team, with a 93% response rate. Data analysis generated a Quality Performance Road Map, categorized as red, yellow and green flags, which focused on priorities of quality improvement activities. Results: The results, showed a client general satisfaction (green flags) with SHC programs and services. Staff results reflected general satisfaction with governance and leadership, accessibility and safety of the physical environment. Staff responses demonstrated limitations in (i) staff knowledge of and readiness for accreditation; (ii) mental health and emergency services, (iii) existing quality improvement, risk management and patient safety activities;(iv) monitoring of staff- and client satisfaction; and (v) incorporation of cultural values in a multidisciplinary approach to practice. Priority actions initiated to rectify limitations and reinforce compliance included education sessions, working group initiatives, regular meetings, policy development, review and revisions, and a staff satisfaction survey. Conclusion: The outcome of Phase One of this Accreditation Journey was a challenging and positive experiential learning for organizational leadership and staff that enhanced awareness and understanding of the accreditation process, allayed anxiety and uncertainties, and promoted staff appreciation and commitment to organizational goals toward Phase Two of the Journey - an On-Site Survey, due in March 2011.
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