Healing our Health System Models of Care Implementing New Staff Ratios and Mix in WRHA hospitals

What is a Model of Care? A “Model of Care” broadly defines the way health services are delivered ensuring the right care at the right place at the right time by the right people. As hospital clinical services shift starting this fall, new models of care have been developed and the WRHA will begin grouping patients with similar acuity and care needs together in new units.

What is a Staffing Model? A “Staffing Model” includes staffing ratio’s and staffing mix and it is a key part of delivering on the Model of Care. It is designed to ensure consistent quality care It defines the appropriate number and level of staff resources required for particular patient populations Through standardization we will be able to better measure the efficient use of people resources and performance This builds accountability into resource use and patient outcomes

Why introduce new staffing models? Clinical redesign and new models of care provides the opportunity to implement the most effective staffing models Currently, staffing ratios and staff mix vary within programs and sites across the Region Currently, patients with different acuity and care needs are mixed together in the same units Mixed acuity impacts ability to work to full scope of practice We need to best match and standardize patient needs with staffing

How are Staffing Models determined? Understand patient populations and needs in every program Review of staff resource level and mix Conduct environmental scan and review best practices of peer organizations across Canada and within WRHA Determine nursing and support staff resources required to provide optimal care to each patient group Implement, evaluate and adjust as necessary

What will change look like? CURRENT CHALLENGES NEW SYSTEM SOLUTIONS Patients with different needs are mixed together on single hospital units. Staffing levels are inconsistent and vary widely between units and hospitals. Staff scope of practice is not optimized because of patient mix (e.g. acute care vs long-term care needs). Units will group patients together with similar needs and acuity levels. Consistent staffing ensures patients get level of care that matches their needs. Staff work to their full scope of practice.

How will success be measured? Key indicators will be examined and evaluated: Patient safety indicators Patient feedback and concerns Overtime and sick time usage Patient flow, including average and median length of stay (LOS) Constant Care Hours per patient day

How will this affect you? This is one of many big changes currently underway. We recognize you may have concerns. We will engage and communicate openly and often. We believe our new Staffing Models will increase job satisfaction: Consistent staff resources Full scope of practice Consistent patient population to enhance expertise and specialization We will work with you to evaluate, learn and course-correct as necessary.

Questions? Thank you!