Calls for Immediate Action in Response to Long-Term Care Report and Nurse-to-Patient Ratios at Brampton Civic Hospital

QUESTION

RNAO Calls for Immediate Action in Response to the Canadian Armed Forces’ LTC report with Minister Fullerton’s July 31 Report to Legislature. (May 28th, 2020). RNAO.ca. https://rnao.ca/news/media-releases/rnao-calls-for-immediate-action-in-response-to-the-canadian-armed-forces-ltc

Guardian, A. H. B. (2022, January 5). CODE ORANGE: Nurse to patient ratios are double what they should be at Brampton Civic. Mississauga.com. https://www.mississauga.com/news/code-orange-nurse-to-patient-ratios-are-double-what-they-should-be-at-brampton-civic/article_309735e1-ec0b-51eb-9d13-e18dd5578f13.html

summarize these article interms of instruction:

Answers the question as to why the policy exists. Key areas that may be addressed include:
• legal or regulatory reasons
• description of conflict or problem the policy will resolve
• overall benefits
• historical or social context
If there is a provincial or federal law with which this policy is aligned, it may also be specifically
referenced in this section.
What not to include This section should not include how the policy was developed nor should it
contain any procedural steps.
Purpose
Answers the question what issue are you addressing? Flows from the background
Persons Affected
Identifies who does this policy affect. i.e. Nurses, managers, the organization- ties into
responsibilitiesPolicy Statement
This is one of the most important sections of the entire policy.
Questions that are typically answered through the policy statement include:
• Who is the primary audience? (Who needs to follow the policy?)
• In what situation(s) does this policy apply?
• What are the major conditions or restrictions?
• What is expected of the employee or student?
• Are there exclusions or special situations?
Rules for the policy writer to follow when drafting the policy statement:
• Sentences and paragraphs must be clear and understandable for the given audience.
• Acronyms may be used if spelled out completely the first time the phrase is used (i.e.,
Best Practice Guidelines (BPG)).
• Use strong action words (will, must, are responsible for, etc.). Do not use “shall” in the
policy statement.
What Not to Include:
The policy statement should not include background details on the policy, nor should it contain
procedural steps. Avoid using a specific label, such as the brand name of a medical product.
Generic terms are more sustaining and require less maintenance.
Definitions
List unique terms that, by being defined, would add to the reader’s understanding of the basic
policy.
• Define unfamiliar or technical terms
• Define terms with special meaningsGeneral terms that are included in the Policy Glossary should be italicized and listed in
alphabetical order
Responsibilities
Outlines the responsibilities of those identified within the policy
• What is the nurse responsible for?
• What is the manager responsible for?
• What is the organization responsible for?
Procedure
This is one of the most important sections of the document, and often one of the longest. This
section outlines how the policy is carried out. A Procedure sets forth identified steps for
implementing a policy. (Address the issue i.e. ensuring nurses have sufficient Narcan per shift –
how much is enough? What does the research/BPG say?)
Items to consider include:
• Steps to be taken
• Clear, short, almost point form. Should be easy to read quickly
• Can include lists (i.e. 1., 2a., 2b., if 3 occurs go to section 2)
• Practical application with a very specific way of doing things
• Consider multiple options/outcomes/scenarios when developing steps to be taken

ANSWER

 Calls for Immediate Action in Response to Long-Term Care Report and Nurse-to-Patient Ratios at Brampton Civic Hospital

Background

The first article, published by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) on May 28th, 2020, highlights the urgent need for immediate action in response to the Canadian Armed Forces’ report on Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities. The report revealed distressing conditions in LTC homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a critical need for policy interventions to address the challenges faced by vulnerable residents and overwhelmed healthcare workers.

The second article, from Mississauga.com, dated January 5, 2022, brings attention to the issue of nurse-to-patient ratios at Brampton Civic Hospital. The report suggests that nurse-to-patient ratios are double what they should be, raising concerns about the quality of patient care, patient safety, and the well-being of healthcare providers.

Purpose

The purpose of these articles is to shed light on critical issues affecting healthcare in Ontario, emphasizing the need for immediate policy interventions and evidence-based changes to safeguard patient well-being and support healthcare professionals.

Persons Affected

These policies directly affect nurses, nurse managers, LTC facility staff, and healthcare organizations in the province. Additionally, they have a profound impact on residents of LTC facilities and patients in hospitals, ensuring their safety and quality of care.

Policy Statement

The policy’s primary audience is the nursing staff, healthcare providers, and administrators working in LTC homes and hospitals. The policy applies to all instances of patient care delivery in these settings, with a focus on ensuring appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and safe working conditions for healthcare professionals. The policy expects healthcare facilities to adhere to evidence-based best practices and comply with provincial and federal regulations.

Definitions

Terms such as nurse-to-patient ratios, long-term care facilities, and evidence-based best practices should be defined to ensure a clear understanding for all stakeholders involved.

Responsibilities

The policy outlines the responsibilities of nurses, nurse managers, and healthcare organizations to ensure compliance with nurse-to-patient ratio guidelines. Nurses are responsible for providing safe and efficient patient care, while nurse managers and healthcare organizations must prioritize appropriate staffing levels to maintain quality care delivery.

Procedure

The procedure section of the policy should outline specific steps and guidelines to achieve appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios. This may include determining the optimal staffing levels based on patient acuity, nurse experience, and patient census. The policy can also provide guidelines for nurse managers to evaluate staffing needs regularly and make necessary adjustments to maintain safe care delivery. Collaboration with regulatory bodies and evidence-based guidelines is crucial to implementing successful nurse-to-patient ratio policies.

Conclusion

The two articles emphasize the urgent need for policy changes in LTC facilities and hospitals to address issues of patient safety and healthcare provider well-being. By implementing evidence-based nurse-to-patient ratio policies and focusing on patient-centered care, Ontario’s healthcare system can enhance patient outcomes and support nursing staff in providing high-quality care. Policymakers and healthcare leaders must collaborate to enact and enforce policies that prioritize patient safety and improve the overall quality of care in healthcare facilities across the province.