CarePartners has always been committed to the well-being of its clients but June represents a new step forward for CarePartners in terms of patient safety. As part of our work to meet the standards of Accreditation Canada, CarePartners is launching a package of initiatives including:
•a Medication Reconciliation and Management Program
• a Falls Prevention Strategy
• a Home Safety Risk assessment Program
Research shows that reviewing a client's medication and making sure that all the medications are being taken correctly increases the likelihood that client's will not miss medications, will not duplicate medications and will take the right dose - all important pieces to ensuring that medications help rather than harm clients. Research also shows that home care nurses can play a valuable role in increasing the safety of clients by identifying clients at risk for injuries related to home hazards and falls and by providing education to the client who is at risk for falling and his family as well as referral to other health professionals.
The toll of medication errors and injuries in the home on the health care system is significant and CarePartners nurses will be ensuring that they are providing their clients with the best possible information and support to keep them safe.