Leahora Rotteau, Mercedes Magaz, Brian M. Wong, Sara Shearkhani, Mohammad Shabani, Rishma Pradhan, Bourne Auguste, Laurie Bourne, Jeff Powis and Kelly Michelle Smith
An integrated care system identified quality improvement (QI) capacity as a gap in advancing their integrated quality care priorities and improvement efforts. Here we describe the…
Abstract
Purpose
An integrated care system identified quality improvement (QI) capacity as a gap in advancing their integrated quality care priorities and improvement efforts. Here we describe the design and implementation of a QI capacity building program that aimed to (1) build QI capacity amongst diverse integrated care system members and (2) apply QI principles to advance integrated quality care priorities.
Design/methodology/approach
The integrated care system leaders, including community members, partnered with the University of Toronto Centre for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety to co-design and deliver the QI capacity building program focused on improving cancer screening rates. An existing acute care capacity building program was adapted. Content included QI tools, data to identify and monitor QI priorities, equity considerations, and empowering participants as change agents.
Findings
Participants were satisfied with the content and delivery of the program. Some described using QI tools and strategies in practice following the workshop. Challenges to using the tools included the current pressures facing primary care and the health system, resources, and data availability.
Practical implications
This QI capacity building program was challenging but feasible. Clarifying the target audience, being attentive to co-design, acknowledging post-pandemic system challenges and proactively addressing variable knowledge and barriers to QI work in practice will inform future iterations of this program.
Originality/value
While many examples of QI education programs exist, the majority target a single healthcare sector. We describe a novel QI capacity building model that bridges healthcare sectors and includes patient partners and community members as teachers and participants.
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The purpose of this analysis is to present the history of anti‐money laundering efforts in the United States as it applies both domestically and internationally, and demonstrate…
Abstract
The purpose of this analysis is to present the history of anti‐money laundering efforts in the United States as it applies both domestically and internationally, and demonstrate how this new legislation, if enacted, will mark a dramatic change in the customary treatment of international financial transactions and to international long‐arm jurisdiction and law enforcement. If enacted as proposed, this legislation may provide the tools necessary to achieve substantial progress in this effort.
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Alpana Mair, Eleftheria Antoniadou, Anne Hendry and Branko Gabrovec
Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medicines by one individual, is a common and growing challenge driven by an ageing population and the growing number of people living…
Abstract
Purpose
Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medicines by one individual, is a common and growing challenge driven by an ageing population and the growing number of people living longer with chronic conditions. Up to 11% of unplanned hospital admissions in the UK are attributable to, mostly avoidable, harm from medicines. However, this topic is not yet central to integrated practice. This paper reviews the challenge that polypharmacy presents to the health and care system and offers lessons for integrated policy and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Two commonly encountered scenarios illustrate the relevance of addressing inappropriate polypharmacy to integrated practice. An overview of the literature on polypharmacy and frailty, including two recent large studies of policy and practice in Europe, identifies lessons for practitioners, managers, policy makers and commissioners.
Findings
Comprehensive change strategies should extend beyond pharmacist led deprescribing initiatives. An inter-professional and systems thinking approach is required, so all members of the integrated team can play their part in realising the value of holistic prescribing, appropriate polypharmacy and shared decision making.
Practical implications
Awareness and education about polypharmacy should be embedded in inter-professional training for all practitioners who care for people with multimorbidity or frailty.
Originality/value
This paper will help policy makers, commissioners, managers and practitioners understand the value of addressing polypharmacy within their integrated services. Best practice national guidance developed in Scotland illustrates how to target resources so those at greatest risk of harm from polypharmacy can benefit from effective pharmaceutical care as part of holistic integrated care.