The implementation of the Delirium Health Quality Standard within Mental Health Care.

Closed
Main contact
Georgian Nursing Capstone Partners
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Administrator
Portals
(1)
Project
Academic experience
120 hours of work total
Student
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Intermediate level

Project scope

Categories
Healthcare Project management Change management Public health
Skills
patient safety change management processes leadership clinical practices critical thinking project management data version control (dvc) quality improvement nursing management
Details

Delirium is one of the leading causes of preventable hospital harm in Ontario, impacting patient and provider safety, hospital access and flow, and increasing alternative level of care days. It is strongly associated with higher mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and additional costs of $11,000 per hospitalization (Ontario Health, 2024). The Ontario provincial government has made the implementation of the Delirium Health Quality Standard a priority, with a multiyear quality initiative aimed at reducing hospital-acquired delirium.

Currently, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care has limited data on delirium, as there is no formal screening for this condition. This project seeks to integrate delirium standards into the organization’s workflow. The primary objective is to improve patient safety, reduce unnecessary hospital stays, and lower the costs associated with delirium. By applying evidence-based interventions and enhancing the early identification of delirium, the project will contribute to the overall health and well-being of patients while reducing the burden on healthcare systems. 



Deliverables

The primary anticipated outcomes of this project are:

  • Improved patient safety through early identification of delirium risks and preventive interventions
  • Increased staff confidence and competence in identifying, managing, and educating patient and caregivers about delirium
  • A reduction in the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
  • Enhanced patient and family caregiver education and awareness through the development of clear, accessible resources (i.e., pamphlets, posters)

The benefits of this project to Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care include the integration of delirium standards into care practices that align with provincial health priorities, improved patient outcomes through effective delirium prevention and intervention strategies, evidence-based recommendations that can be implemented to reduce hospital stays and associated costs, and the contribution to the ongoing quality improvement initiatives that further promote a culture of patient safety. 

The benefits to Georgian College Nursing Students being involved in this project include an opportunity to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills in a real-world healthcare setting, hands-on experience with quality improvement initiatives and change management processes, development of project management skills and the ability to contribute to significant changes in clinical practice, and explore to collaborative work with Clinical Excellence Consultants, Clinical Educators, Clinical Managers, Directors, patients, family members and clinicians strengthening their future role as nursing professionals.


Georgian College Nursing Students will play a vital role in the success of this project by:

  • Assisting to develop an audit tool and support with data tracking based on process and outcome measures
  • Assisting in researching best practices and evidence-based interventions for delirium prevention and management, specifically tailored to the mental health care setting
  • Working with the clinical team to create educational resources, such as pamphlets and posters, to raise awareness about delirium among patients, families, and caregivers.
  • Assisting to design speaking tools to help care team members effectively communicate delirium prevention and management strategies to patient and their families
  • Contributing to the development of a standardized workflow for delirium identification and management through project and change management processes.

Students will work both remotely and onsite, with regular check-ins and mentorship provided through the project period (September- December). Weekly meetings with their preceptor(s) will ensure that students receive guidance and support ensuring their success in the project completion. 



Mentorship
Domain expertise and knowledge

Providing specialized, in-depth knowledge and general industry insights for a comprehensive understanding.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

Sharing knowledge in specific technical skills, techniques, methodologies required for the project.

Hands-on support

Direct involvement in project tasks, offering guidance, and demonstrating techniques.

Tools and/or resources

Providing access to necessary tools, software, and resources required for project completion.

Regular meetings

Scheduled check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback.

About the company

Company
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
51 - 200 employees
Hospital, health, wellness & medical

Georgian College is a College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, Canada, partnered with ILAC International College.