An Ambitious Program Developed at the MUHC Delivers Impressive Results Read Article on Page 6

Volume 7 — Issue 6 — June 2016 An ambitious program developed at the MUHC delivers impressive results Read article on page 6

Angie Presta, Procurement manager, and Philippe Bexton, MUHC Patient Safety officer, are happy with the success of the Material Incident Accident Management system.

IN THIS ISSUE

PATIENT STORY Zero gluten, only way to treat celiac disease p. 2 Lachine FACES OF THE MUHC The Biomedical Technology A changing tide at the Lachine Hospital Management team p. 4-5 Everyone does their part in the operating room to improve the work FACE TO FACE WITH... environment MUHC Psychiatrist in Chief p. 8 The atmosphere in the operating room (OR) at the Lachine Hospital of the McGill INNOVATIVE CARE University Health Centre (LH-MUHC) has been harmonious lately; clinical staff work A new Cancer Survivorship with enthusiasm and good humour. The situation has significantly improved, as Program p. 9 Julie Marcil, interim nurse manager of the OR, explains.

Continued on page 10 PATIENT STORY HR CORNER

Zero gluten, only way to treat celiac disease Are you moving?

Patients with digestive disorder must gut it out and stick to diet Staff advisor: It is very important that Human Resources maintain an accurate record of your address, phone number and email address, to avoid mailing out important information to an incorrect address. Follow these simple instructions for this condition is a diet strictly free of know what to do when eating out or at below to make the changes yourself online, via the Logibec e-Espresso application. gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye and a friend’s place. Lunch at school is still barley – for life. Before changing eating a challenge for Justin though: healthy From the MUHC portal: habits however, it’s important to be test- gluten-free food options are few and far 1. Login to your e-Espresso (Apps / MUHC/HR PAY) and click on: ed to avoid false negative results.” between at the cafeteria.” + Employee File and then Personal Data Although he had to give up many 2. Click on New Big lifestyle changes for the family things he loves such as muffins, cakes 3. Once this screen opens, replace the MAIN ADDRESS information with your Soon after Julie’s diagnosis, her son Jus- and cookies, Justin says he has been new information. Please note that the apartment number must be entered tin Grenon found out he, too, had celiac “pretty responsible”. before the civic number (ex: 750-2155 Guy). The secondary address should disease. “It’s not that hard. At school, my not be used. “I was disappointed and scared that friends understand when I say I can’t 4. Ensure your personal EMAIL and TELEPHONE numbers are up to date, my whole life was going to change have something. There’s even gluten-free including your cell number. This will allow us to communicate quickly because I wouldn’t be able to eat what I stuff that I like better than regular food, with you. usually ate,” says Justin, who is an ath- like English muffins. Honestly, there are 5. Enter the effective DATE (present or future date) lete and plays hockey and football. a lot of worse things out there. If this is 6. Click on Save. Although Julie was familiar with the what I have to go through in my life, then I restrictions of a gluten-free diet – her can say I’m a lucky person.” Please note: stepfather happens to have celiac disease • Information will ONLY be sent to your Main address. – she was not prepared to face the radical lifestyle changes that celiac disease You can also fill in a Change Notice form (available on the HR intranet site) demands. and return it to Human Resources: “I had a general idea of what to avoid, • through internal mail to 750.21 - 2155 Guy Street, but to be standing in the grocery store, • by fax to 514-934-8325 trying to figure out what the labels meant • by e-mail to [email protected] and what to choose was frustrating,” she says. “Removing something from your daily diet may sound simple, but when BOARD OF DIRECTORS “People with celiac disease should not be afraid of embracing a gluten-free diet,” says Julie Boisvenue, it’s forced upon you, there’s definitely a who, like her son Justin, has celiac disease. “The transition period is hard, but once you settle into a routine, it becomes second nature.” grieving period while you adapt to it.” At the MUHC, Julie and Justin had the Highlights from the May 31, 2016 meeting support of Gastroenterologists Dr. Alan ulie Boisvenue found out she had endoscopy which confirmed I had celiac Barkun and Dr. Najma Ahmed, and Nutri- In order to keep the community apprised of its decisions, our Board of Directors celiac disease – an inflammation disease. I was really scared: on top of my tionists Karen Casey and Caroline Brien. of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) regularly reports on resolutions Jof the small bowel caused by a cardiac issues and a digestive disorder, I “There’s a growing awareness about that it has passed. The items below relate to decisions taken at the May 31st, 2016 reaction to gluten – in circumstances was afraid my children could have celiac gluten intolerance these days and plenty meeting. that were far from ordinary. The mother disease as well.” of information about how to follow a of a 14-year-old son and an 11-year-old gluten-free diet and where to find glu- On recommendation from the Nominating Committee, the Board of Directors approved: daughter was in her kitchen one even- Only one treatment ten-free products,” says Caroline, who • the following nominations on the Medical Review Committee: ing, when she fainted and hit her head. Celiac disease is a fairly common genetic has celiac disease herself. “However, it’s -- Gail Campbell, Chair of the Medical Review Committee She was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital autoimmune disorder, touching about important to realize gluten is hidden in a -- Dr. Athanasios Katsarkas, Member of the Medical Review Committee with the suspicion of a concussion. After one per cent of the population. People lot of products like makeup, shampoos, -- Dr. Thopmas Milroy, Member of the Medical Review Committee tests, however, doctors diagnosed heart with a family history are more at risk of cleaning products and medications.” • the following nominations pursuant to section 6.2 of the By-Laws of the arrhythmia, but couldn’t explain why. developing the disease at some point in “Adhering to a gluten-free diet is ex- Research Institute of the MUHC: Julie spent two days at St-Mary’s and their lives. Symptoms include abdominal pensive,” adds Dr. Lu. “Nutritionists and -- Daniel Gagnier, Member Representative was then transferred to the Cardiac Care bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea and weight dieticians will show patients options that -- Jacques Dupuis, Member Representative Unit of the Montreal General Hospital loss, but some people, like Julie, have no don’t necessarily involve buying prepared • the following nominations on the Governance and Ethics Committee: of the McGill University Health Centre symptoms at all. gluten-free products.” -- Janis Riven, Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee (MGH-MUHC), where she had a tempor- “When undiagnosed or untreated, -- Lisa F. Hollinger, Member of the Governance and Ethics Committee ary pacemaker implanted. celiac disease damages the small bowel A lifetime commitment and can lead to complications like vitamin A year into the restrictive diet, the On recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors approved: “At the MGH, they were still trying to and iron deficiency, osteoporosis, neur- Boisvenue-Grenon family is taking it all • the MGH Renovations: Research Institute Project, conditional to funding. figure out the cause of my heart prob- opathies and, in some rare cases, can- in stride. lem and a few weeks later decided I cer,” says MUHC Gastroenterologist Dr. “We have two toasters and two sets On recommendation from the Director of the Centre for Applied Ethics of the MUHC, should get a permanent pacemaker. At Yidan Lu. “Although heart disease is not of cooking utensils,” Julie says. “Some “Gluten-sensitive people feel better when they the Board approved: amust follow a gluten-free diet to avoid damaging that point, one of the residents told me generally associated with celiac disease, meals like gluten-free pasta are shared their health,” says MUHC Gastroenterologist Dr. • the updated MUHC Code of Ethics as well as the updated Policy on End-of-Life about a study linking heart arrhythmia a few studies have suggested a possible by all in the family, but on pizza night, I Yidan Lu. Care. and celiac disease. I later underwent an link between the two. The only treatment use two different types of dough. We also

2 en Bref en Bref 3 faces of the MUHC

“If I get a call about a configuration Since medicine is a field in is well integrated into its Managing biomedical equipment: problem, or a piece of equipment for which innovation is frequent environment and meets which I’m responsible for and it breaks and numerous, Biomedical specific needs. The move that’s their business! down, I have to evaluate whether I have professionals keep a close to the Glen site magnified the ability and expertise to intervene or watch both on technology the need for this kind An informed and dedicated team oversees a large inventory that’s make a repair,” says Theodore Patrinos, that comes on the market of work, since they had crucial to treating our patients a technician and biomedical engineer. and on recommendations to oversee the installa- “If it isn’t within my skill set, I have to and alerts put out by various tion of both old and new contact the company, the manufacturer national and international equipment in brand new or the distributor.” organizations, always with spaces. rom the simplest machines to the A portion of the team, consisting of In addition to upkeep, emergency the objective of having up- Fortunately, the team most complex, the huge inventory technicians, coordinators, engineering adjustments, and repairs offered by to-date and safe equipment, can always count on the Fof biomedical equipment used professionals and administrative clerks, the unit’s technicians and coordinators, machines, and facilities. essential support pro- by the McGill University Health Centre is based at the Glen site. Others are at technical assistance is also available to “We keep an eye on the vided by the five clerks (MUHC) includes an amazing variety of the Montreal General and the Montreal caregivers and administrators. marketplace, note recent who keep matters moving devices available to meet many needs at Neurological hospitals. Soon, there will “When a clinical team notifies us that technological advances, and smoothly, overseeing the MUHC. This could include anything also be someone at the Lachine Hospital they need new equipment, they have make sure they meet the work orders, communi- from stretchers to perfusion pumps, CT to offer local support. to follow an established procedure,” appropriate standards,” says cating with suppliers, and scan to monitors or surgical anesthesia “Every day, our technicians and bio- explains Carlos Noriega, a biomedical Carlos. “We follow up by pro- From left to right: Carmie Branco, Jody Bujold and Nancy Marino, clerks. more. “Following up with machines to laboratory equipment. And medical engineers make sure that the technology specialist. “After the pro- ducing a technical paper on both clients and suppli- behind it all are about 50 dedicated em- equipment is in good condition, meets ject and its budget are approved by all which to base offers to buy ers is crucial in order to ployees whose sense of innovation and all requirements, and is safe and func- the necessary parties, our team comes new equipment.” the equipment or an insufficient under- make sure that equipment is available for expertise are key for the maintenance, tional,” says Marie-Claude Trudel, the into play. We meet with all the people In fact, these professionals participate standing of how various pieces of equip- use as quickly as possible after a repair,” updating and use of this inventory. service’s coordinator. “The end goal is involved, determine their exact needs, in the acquisition process from start to ment are integrated,” explains Vincent explains Nancy Marino. always to contribute to excellent care learn exactly what equipment they want finish, from project proposal all the way Brissette, a technical coordinator. It sometimes happens that the team The Biomedical Technology Manage- with the help of technology that is effect- and why, and advise them to the best of to installation. “We have to know where “In those situations, I have to first is called upon to solve a problem with a ment unit isn’t exactly the MUHC’s ive and safe, both for the patients and the our abilities.” the device will go, whether something correct the situation and ensure that the piece of equipment and that no solution best-known team. But their role is truly caregivers.” When a piece of equipment reaches else has to move in order for it to be procedure being undertaken is safe for even exists for that problem. In these important, not only because they oversee The team is implementing a pro- the end of its useful life, it can be re- installed, if access to electrical power both the patient and the clinical per- cases, a custom piece might actually be some 80,000 pieces of equipment – both gram focused on technology control placed by a new version of the same type needs to be modified, etc,” explains Luis sonnel. Depending on the complexity of created to meet the exact needs of the medical and non-medical – throughout and management that also includes a or by a newer technology. “That choice Farias, a senior adviser. the technology, I might then also offer users. “That does happen, but it’s not a the MUHC, but also because they have systematic inspection of the safety of is always made in accordance with the The service also offers support for re- training in collaboration with the person frequent event,” notes Marie-Claude. the technological know-how required for electrical systems and the functioning needs of the clinicians, with our support,” viewing how equipment should be used. in charge of the clinic.” Frequent or not, such cases demon- the acquisition of new equipment and the of new medical equipment, as well as a adds Carlos. “We’re always there to serve “About 70 per cent of the requests for our The team is also responsible for strate the devotion, determination, and responsibility for its upkeep and repair. follow-up on equipment performance. the clinical team.” services are a result of suboptimal use of adapting equipment, making sure that it resourcefulness of this outstanding team.

A few members of the professional team: A few members of the technical team:

Carlos Nathalie Chetanand Wildrick Luis Marie-Claude Trudel Aboulasse Romain Daniel Theodore Gisèle Kamel Vincent Noriega Chang Gopaul Lafortune Farias (coordinator) Kiendrebeogo Rives Guérard Patrinos Abessolo Choubane Brissette

4 en Bref en Bref 5 Continuous IMPROVEMENT

Material Incident — Accident Management SOCIAL New management system makes dealing with in less than 24 hours an officer came to to make the situation better, they did MEDIA pick it up. The next day, I got a follow-up something about it. I am very proud of BUZZ material incidents and accidents a breeze call with information from the manufac- the team and what they accomplished.” turer. The system works.” Despite the success, the MIAM team All information gathered during that will not rest on its laurels. MUHC Patient Safety officer and coordin- first phone call is entered into the newly “MIAM is part of a continuous ator of the MIAM project, which brought developed MIAM database. A part- improvement process,” says Philippe. together participants from Material nership with Health Canada makes it “We’ll keep on looking at ways to give Management, Procurement, Quality, possible to add indicators from outside better service to front-line users and Nursing and Transition Planning starting the MUHC to the file. minimize risks for patients.” in October 2014, as the MUHC was pur- “We are one of 14 institutions partici- chasing new equipment and materials in pating in the Canadian Medical Device preparation for the move to the Glen site. Sentinel Network (CMDSNet), a Health Reporting problems with supplies is At that time, a critical product-related Canada program created to improve the easier than ever: Just dial 47777, event and several smaller cases re- safe use of medical devices,” Philippe fill out an Incident-Accident Report vealed the shortcomings of the manage- explains. “When we file a report, an (AH-223) and keep the product for Susan Outram: I thank every ment process in place. automated email is sent to CMDSNet, pick-up. nurse who has been there “We found that the procedure wasn’t which performs an environmental scan for me daily. Let’s say we are standardized,” he says. “In some cases, of similar events in Canada, the US, used to being there. You clinicians were contacting the manu- England, Switzerland and Australia.” have supported me, taking facturer directly; in others, they were After the results of that scan are excellent care of my father, contacting different MUHC services: Pro- entered into the database, the system were there for my mother curement, Quality, Patient Safety, etc. comes up with one of two decisions: Is it an incident or when I couldn’t be. We would also have to wait an average either no action is required or a task of three months for the manufacturer’s force is summoned to determine if the an accident? Toby Demczuk: Shout out to evaluation after reporting an event. product should be withdrawn. Managers the amazing PABs of C10! Now we don’t wait anymore. We rapidly of the unit where the event occurred There are 3 types of events evaluate the risk internally – using an receive an automated email informing related to patient safety that Josie Preteroti:@Hopital- algorithm designed during a Lean Six them of the outcome of the process. must be reported using the Children congratulations first Sigma Kaizen event – and act based on “Follow-up is very important. We AH-223 form: anniversary @cusm_muhc the results, in order to minimize the risk want to empower managers so that kudos to your success for our patients.” they become an active part of this 1. Incidents are events #mymuhc Siva Moonsami procedure and communicate it to their that do not reach the pa- very day healthcare workers use 47777 is the number to call team,” says Angie. tient but could potentially Not the feather one: @cusm_ hundreds of different medical In order to accelerate the process, a new The strategy seems to be working. have caused harm. muhc Thank you doctors “Defective Eproducts and devices, from simple customer service phone number was Siva, who already encouraged nurses and nurses at Glen Site for examination gloves, bandages and syr- created – 47777 – making it easier for to file incident reports, made sure to 2. Accidents that do not taking care of my sister little material inges to infusion pumps, defibrillators medical staff to report issues. explain the new procedure to his team. cause harm are events princess. She is home. Thank has an impact and surgical lasers. When defective or “For example, when a line is punc- “If something happens on the that reach the patient you!!! on our practice, improperly used, these products cause tured or a catheter isn’t working, all weekend or at night, they know what but cause only an incon- but above all it’s incidents or accidents that may put they have to do is dial 47777. A customer to do,” he notes. “It takes discipline, venience or the need to M1ssaya: Trained to be about patient patients at risk. Reporting those events service representative will guide them but the bottom line is patient and monitor the patient for the nurse in charge on our unit safety,” says Siva is therefore critical. on what to include on the Incident-Ac- employee safety.” appearance of potential this weekend by one of the Moonsami, nurse cident Report and instruct them to keep consequences. best preceptors. Thanks manager at Last summer, the McGill Univer- the product for pick-up,” says Procure- Recognition from Health Canada Alejandro for sharpening my the Neuro’s ICU. sity Health Centre (MUHC) adopted a ment Manager Angie Presta, who has In 2015, the MUHC received a Certificate 3. Accidents that cause leadership skills. standardized system that allows a task been presenting MIAM to various teams of Appreciation for Dedication to Patient harm are events where force to quickly evaluate risks asso- throughout the MUHC. “It’s important to Safety from Health Canada for the MIAM the harm or conse- ciated with medical products in order do it as fast as possible because we want system. quences can be tempo- to decide whether or not to proceed to evaluate the risk quickly to prevent The project sponsor, Associate rary or permanent and with a voluntary withdrawal. Since its other incidents elsewhere.” Director of Procurement and Material require a varying degree implementation, the Material Incident Nurse Manager Siva Moonsami has Management Paul Harmat, attributes of interventions to treat Accident Management (MIAM) system used MIAM a few times and is pleased the success of the MIAM project to the and monitor the patient. has drastically reduced the turnaround with the results. dedication of the team. In these cases, disclosure time for a decision from 181 days to only “We had a problem with an expensive “Using basic lean principals, the to the patient is required seven days. piece of equipment that kept leaking,” different departments decided that and must be documented Stay informed and join “As soon as the program went live, says Siva, who supervises 50 nurses in patient safety and supply quality were in the patient’s chart. the conversation! it dropped to 38 days and it kept going the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Mont- a priority and they invested their time Did you know that the MUHC down. Our target is 48 hours, and we’re real Neurological Hospital (MNH-MUHC). accordingly,” he says. “Not only did they has a Social Media Policy that is getting there,” says Philippe Bexton, “I called 47777, followed the steps, and recognize that there was an opportunity available on the Intranet?

6 en Bref en Bref 7 “Defective material has an impact on our practice, but above all it’s about patient safety,” says Siva Moonsami, nurse manager at the Neuro’s ICU. FACE TO FACE WITH... INNOVATIVE CARE Dr. Nadia Szkrumelak, Launch of the Cancer Survivorship Program Psychiatrist in Chief, Mental Health Mission Breast cancer survivors the first to experience this groundbreaking approach to care I tell Psychiatry residents that every crisis, every encounter with a patient suffering from mental hen patients with breast cancer reach the end of their treatment they illness is an opportunity for an exceptional human often ask themselves, what next? The answer to that question just experience. Wgot a lot more encouraging. How did you get to your position? On June 6, the MUHC Cancer Survivorship Program launched an innovative I’ve been at the MUHC for over 30 years. It’s been a Survivorship Pilot Clinic for patients who had breast cancer. We sat down with natural progression from clinical work to more and more survivorship doctor, Geneviève Chaput, to find out more about the program. administrative duties with the goal to improve care for patients suffering from mental illness. Throughout those What can patients expect from the pilot clinic? years, especially since I took the position of Psychiatrist They can expect to be supported and guided through the next steps of their in Chief in 2012, I’ve had a tremendous team helping me care following their cancer treatments. out. I thank them all and in particular Associate Director In partnership with Cedars CanSupport, breast cancer survivors who par- of Nursing Pina LaRiccia and Associate Psychiatrist in ticipate in the pilot clinic will attend an End of Treatment Education session, Chief Dr. Linda Beauclair. and receive a Resource Kit. Patients and community family doctors will also receive a Surveillance Care Plan providing them with a customized care guide Do you still do clinical work? following active treatment. Yes, I work in a clinical teaching unit and a program for Gilda Lebron, our survivorship nurse, and I will be their survivorship team. patients suffering from schizophrenia. I love the contact What would you tell a young resident? Our goal is to empower and support them as we transfer their day-to-day care with patients. I tell my Psychiatry residents that every crisis, every encounter to champion doctors in the community. with a patient suffering from mental illness is an opportunity Thanks to our program, over the past two years family doctors have For the past 10 years, you have participated in the for an exceptional human experience. been educated about survivorship issues and surveillance needs to ensure reorganization of Mental Health services at the MUHC, that breast cancer survivors receive optimal follow-up care. Family from the merging of the Ambulatory services of the Montreal doctors have been informed about what to do should a health issue arise. General Hospital (MGH) and the Royal Victoria Hospital They will also be able to rapidly access specialized MUHC services for their (RVH), to the consolidation of all adult psychiatric CONFESSIONS patients when necessary. emergency services at the MGH in 2015. What’s left to Tell us a little bit about your family: People are surprised to complete that work? find out I come from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, What do breast cancer survivors need to do to access this clinic? Dr. Geneviève Chaput We’re planning the last step at this moment, which is the where my father worked as an engineer. He was Ukrainian, They need to call 514 934-1934 extension 65543 to register within six weeks of move of the Ambulatory services from the Allan Memorial and my mother was Belgian. I have two amazing children – a their last treatment at the MUHC. The MUHC Cancer Care team is fully com- Institute to the MGH. It’s been a huge undertaking for our 29 year-old daughter who lives in Toronto and works for the mitted to this project. We are grateful for everyone’s support throughout the multidisciplinary team. I hope the Mental Health Mission will YWCA, and a 33 year-old son who studied Law and works for planning and development stages, especially the Cedars Cancer Foundation. help re-energize the MGH. the Équipe Denis Coderre pour Montréal party. It is an honour to finally launch this clinic as we truly believe it will help make the patient’s journey a little easier. Tell us more about the department you head. Three things you can’t live without: My husband and kids, We offer second-line services such as emergency, yoga and a good glass of wine. Why is follow-up care so important? inpatient and day programs, and specialized third-line Due to earlier detection and better treatments, survivors have a better care for patients with complex disorders and resistance to Favourite hobby: Yoga. I try to go at least four times a week. five-year survival rate for all cancers than they did 10 years ago, and that’s treatment. One interesting and perhaps unique aspect of I realize that I need it, because when I don’t do it, my amazing. However, some breast cancer survivors experience late effects be- our department is the Consultation-Liaison Service that husband says ‘Time to go to yoga!’ cause of their cancer and its treatments, such as fear of recurrence, transitory provides consultations to patients from other services such as cognitive deficits, or lymphedema, just to name a few. They may also be at Oncology, Transplantation, Neurology and Women’s Health. Favourite place in Montreal: I love to sit and relax on increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, so they will benefit from preventive Furthermore, we serve as a training centre for a variety my balcony on the 14th floor. I have an amazing view of counseling and management of heart disease risk factors including diabetes of disciplines. In the future, we hope to integrate research Montreal! and hypertension. Our MUHC Cancer Survivorship Program aims to coordinate completely into our clinical programs. care so that survivors can go on living the healthiest and happiest life they can. Favourite travel destination: Anywhere with a beach. But What made you decide to go into Psychiatry? last October, my husband and I spent three weeks in India. Are there any initiatives available to other cancer survivors? It was not my obvious first choice. I was very interested in Law, It was very interesting. All cancer patients at the MUHC nearing the end of active treatment are but finally decided to plunge into Medicine. After a rotation at strongly encouraged to register for an End of Treatment Education Session. the Jewish General Hospital, I opted for Psychiatry and loved Favourite quality in a person: Compassion. With this session they learn about common problems and how to deal with it. I believe that Psychiatry manages to integrate both the them. Patients who are interested can call Cedars CanSupport at 514 934- mind and the body and maintain a humanistic approach to the 1934 extension 31666. Our intention is to learn from the Survivorship Pilot medical practice. Clinic for Breast Cancer Patients and apply what we have learned to other Everybody has a story. We’d like to hear yours. cancers moving forward. Please, contact us at [email protected] For more information, please visit the Cancer Survivorship Program page on Gilda Lebron, survivorship nurse. the MUHC website at: muhc.ca/cancer muhc.ca cusm.muhc @cusm_muhc cusm_muhc company/muhcen Bref 3

8 en Bref en Bref 9 Lachine

Continued from page 1 A changing tide at the Lachine Hospital

“At the moment, the work atmosphere committee made up of clinical and ad- priority to day-surgery patients and then is excellent! But not so long ago, our ministrative staff to review OR practices. operating on inpatients. At the end of environment was undermined by dis- “They wanted to point out that the the day, fewer patients remained at the content among three groups that pro- individual performance of each member OR. As Surgeon and Ophthalmologist Dr. vide patient care: surgeons, nurses and of the team was not in question. But in Manuel Perrier says, “everything has patient attendants (PABs),” she says. “An order to improve the performance of the been working better, much better since inadequate capacity to replace nurses OR and meet operational targets, some the changes were made to the OR.” led to an added workload and difficulty changes had to be made. They said that “The attitude of the staff, their job in respecting coffee and meal breaks, the approach would be participatory and satisfaction, their enthusiasm and their which resulted in interruptions between done with respect,” says Julie. “After the overall mood, improved, which had posi- operations and delays or cancellations meeting, people were full of hope.” tive repercussions on their work, their at the end of the day. Ultimately, neither approach to patients, their efficiency and doctors nor nurses were happy, which A successful approach their effectiveness. In other words, it’s over time had a negative impact on the The committee identified possible been 100 per cent positive,” he notes. day-to-day atmosphere.” solutions aligned with the needs of the For Nurse Benoit Caron, the involve- And that’s not all. The work structure entire team. The first pilot project, which ment of employees in the decisions made of the PABs was also a problem. consisted of assigning each PAB to one all the difference. “There was a staff shortage and re- operating room, worked “right away,” “People felt more listened to, and the placements were made at the last minute says Julie. changes contributed to improving work- or not at all,” says Julie. “The PABs were “In the space of a few days, we noticed ing conditions and patient service,” he often squeezed for time and felt rushed that nurses called less often for help. The says. “I think we should keep going in the by the nurses, who didn’t call them by PABs prepared and brought the patients same direction.” their names, but by their job titles to get to the operating room more quickly After administrative changes, a new help because they didn’t know which PAB because they could better plan their ac- committee will review clinical services, to call.” tivities during the day. For their part, the first in day surgery and then in the pre- The tide began to change in January nurses knew whom to contact depending operative clinic. Julie Marcil is confident. during a meeting between Chantale on the room and were able to call the “Everyone took part in the effort with Bourdeau, interim associate director of PABs by their names.” extraordinary results, and now the team Nursing, Dr. Serge Carrier, urologist and Other relatively simple changes fol- is enthusiastic and flexible,” she says. “I Surgical Site director, and the clinical lowed. For example, in order to eliminate think we’re ready to meet new challen- team. The purpose of the meeting was to the shift from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and reduce ges. What we have learned in the last few mark Julie’s arrival in her position and overtime, the committee changed the months will certainly contribute to the announce the establishment of an ad hoc planning of surgical procedures, giving redevelopment of the Lachine Hospital.”

After a series of changes, the work environment in the operating room at the Lachine Hospital has, once again, become pleasant and rewarding. From left to right, front row: Benoit Caron, nurse; Françoise Phaneuf, patient attendant; Louise Coallier, administrative officer; Julie Marcil, nurse manager. Back row: Lise Pelletier, assistant nurse manager; Lucie Bergeron, respiratory therapist; Nancy Berger, auxiliary nurse; Isabelle Gendron, nurse. Absent: Lise Lessard, nurse team leader.

Vol. 7— Issue 6— June 2016 Join us on line! McGill University Health Centre — Public Affairs and Strategic Planning 2155 Guy, Suite 1280 — Montreal, (Quebec) H3H2R9 [email protected] — 514.934.1934, ext. 31560. All Rights Reserved ©En Bref — Printed on recycled paper in Canada.

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