What's Being Done?

The Ontario government has taken a number of steps to strengthen patient safety in health care institutions across the province.

Improving hand hygiene through the use of alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infections. A multi-faceted hand hygiene program was introduced in March 2008 for all Ontario hospitals. The government provided hospitals with train-the-trainer sessions, tools and materials, an audit process to evaluate the program’s impact and the Just Clean Your Hands website for easy access to information. By April 30, 2009, hospitals will be required to publicly report on hand hygiene compliance.

Fourteen Regional Infection Control Networks (RICNs) have been created across the province to promote the best approaches to infection prevention and control. This includes promoting consistent infection prevention and control policies and surveillance practices. Development of the networks has brought together infection prevention and control expertise from all health care settings, including hospitals, public health units, community care centres and long-term care homes.

The government has provided funding for 166 infection prevention and control practitioners (ICPs) in hospitals across the province. ICPs are typically health care professionals who have specialized training and expertise in infection prevention and control. The ICP works with all departments in an organization to prevent health care-associated infections through planning, implementing, evaluating and providing feedback on current practices. They also educate health care staff on infection prevention and control, conduct surveillance and provide expert consultation as needed.

An extensive education program for infection prevention and control professionals in acute care facilities has been developed by the government in partnership with infection prevention and control experts and other stakeholders. The program provides current, evidence-based educational modules for front-line health care professionals in acute care settings. The modules focus on hand hygiene, chain of transmission and routine practices.

Ontario is introducing full public reporting on eight patient safety indicators, including Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), as part of a comprehensive plan to create an unprecedented level of transparency in Ontario Hospitals. Read more about the plan