1. What is a Virtual Learning Collaborative?
A collaborative is a forum for groups of people with a common goal to work together, learn tools and techniques and share experiences. Along with the collaborative webinars, monthly calls will be held to help support teams as they implement these techniques in their institution.
2. What is different about this initiative from the first MRSA initiative and the NACS initiative?
This new initiative helps with controlling all superbugs, not just MRSA, and has a focus on improving hand hygiene compliance. Also, it teaches participants about different techniques like liberating structures (such as positive deviance) and the more traditional approaches such as the model for improvement.
3. What are the benefits of joining?
The topics and programs within will allow participants to:
Learn to apply liberating structures methodology to achieve local success
Share learning and network with colleagues across Canada
Access, share, and adapt key change ideas, tools, resources and latest knowledge from the implementation initiatives within broad learning network
Work with clinical experts and improvement professionals to successfully implement practice changes
4. Does this initiative apply to the long term care, home care and community care setting?
Yes! These techniques are applicable in many settings.
5. Does it cost money to join the Initiative?
Yes. There is a $1,000 charge for all teams to cover the cost of the Webex virtual learning technology and other costs incurred by SHN/CPSI. All interaction will occur over the internet and telephone minimizing time and travel expenses for participants.
6. Do I have to submit data?
Yes. For this collaborative there are both process and outcome measures. Choose 3 measures from the list to report on based on what will provide value in your setting. Measurement is fundamental to understanding if your work is making a difference.
This initiative will take advantage of the new SHN web-based submission system (Patient Safety Metrics) to make it easier for you to submit your data.
7. Can I join in once it has started (i.e. half way through)?
No. The collaborative is a closed learning network because knowledge is sequentially built during Learning Sessions.
8. Do the same people need to attend all Learning Sessions?
No. Not every person on your team needs to attend every session but there should be some (3) core members that consistently attend all Learning Sessions and take responsibility to ensure the work continues during Action Periods.
9. What do I need to join the Virtual Learning Collaborative?
Executive Sponsor support
A team committed to focusing on reducing hospital acquired infections
Completed Registration Form
Enrolment in the Safer Healthcare Now!
Enrolment in STOP Infections Now Collaborative
Internet and phone access
Dedicated time and space in your workplace to participate actively in Learning Sessions
10. Why do I need an Executive Sponsor to join?
At Safer Healthcare Now! we recognize that support from an Executive Sponsor is key to our team’s success. An executive sponsor is typically a middle or senior level manager whose role may include:
Clarifying the improvement mandate and aligning it within the organizations strategic and operational objectives
Connecting and communicating with appropriate stakeholders
Allocation of staff and resources to support the improvement work
Establishing an accountability mechanism
Facilitating the work of the team within the larger organization.
Engaging a team leader and a coach
11. Who should join this group?
This collaborative is suitable for anyone working in the acute or long-term care setting that wants to help her/his institution reduce health care-associated infections. This includes but is not limited to: nurses, educators, physicians, allied health, environmental services, and patient safety. Basically, anybody who works in your facility (including volunteers and students) can be part of this process
12. Who guides the content of this initiative?
The collaborative planning committee is made up of infection control and liberating structures expert faculty and Safer Healthcare Now! staff. The content is developed based on evidence, best practices, expert opinion and the interaction of participants within the Learning Initiative. Our primary goal is to work with you to create improvements in infection prevention and control within your facility.
13. Is enrolment limited?
Yes. Enrolment will be limited to 50 teams.