As we draw closer to CIUSSS-wide Accreditation visits during the week of December 5, we are faced with a classic case of seeing the glass as either half-empty or half-full. Seeing it half-empty is certainly understandable: In the short time until our facilities and practices come under review, a great deal of time-consuming and sometimes difficult preparation will be needed.
However, my suggestion is to view this challenge as a glass that is half-full by treating accreditation as an opportunity. If you and your team are proud of how you have improved the experiences of the clients, residents or patients in your care, by all means speak up. If you want to showcase the user-centred benefits of a new program or service, let your voice be heard. If you can demonstrate how our network’s institutions are cooperating more effectively to ensure the well-being of the recipients of health care and social services, now is the time to say so.
Accreditation is, at its essence, a way of holding a mirror up to ourselves, so that we can see who we are and ask ourselves who and where we want to be. It’s also a chance for us to give the surveyors a clear and accurate picture of how well we function and how far we have come in CIUSSS West-Central Montreal since April 2015.
To a considerable degree, the emphasis of accreditation will be on the Support Program for the Autonomy of Seniors in long-term care and home care, and on mental health services in all of our facilities. The surveyors will also take a strong interest in infection prevention and control, medication management, and leadership and governance. However, anyone in any area can step forward and make a positive impression that will be reflected in the preliminary findings on December 9 and in the final report on January 9.
It’s also important to remember that despite the occasional nervousness that we may feel in the days leading up to the surveyors’ visits, accreditation is a positive experience. By having our activities reviewed by our peers, we can learn where and how to keep improving the care that our users receive.
So, when the first week of December is upon us, be sure to give accreditation the serious attention it deserves. But don’t forget, it’s also your chance to shine.
Lawrence Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D.
President and CEO
