TORONTO, ON – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that on April 15, 2015 it was awarded Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). This designation recognizes VHA’s success in implementing and evaluating five Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) developed by the RNAO over a three year period. Between 2015-2017, VHA implemented two new BPGs and has achieved continued Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation status for the 2017-2019 term.

“This designation is a big achievement for VHA and I would like to congratulate our incredible team for their support and ongoing commitment to delivering best practices in client care,” says Carol Annett, VHA President and CEO. “Becoming a BPSO designate aligns seamlessly with VHA’s core beliefs – that our care must be spectacular and continuously focused on quality improvement and safety, as well as client-driven.”

As we celebrate this achievement we recognize that our commitment to ensuring VHA provides the highest level of professional practice and delivering evidence-based care across all disciplines is paramount. We are very proud of the great work that has already been done and are excited to use the BPSO model to help us continue to realize our mission of creating possibilities for more independence.

The BPSO candidacy program seeks to make a positive impact on client care though evidence-based practice. Up to date, VHA has implemented the following BPGs for better client outcomes, continuity and consistency of care, quality improvement and patient safety which undoubtedly benefits the clients we serve:

• Person-and Family-Centred Care
• Assessment and management of pain
• Assessment and Management of Pressure Injuries for the Interprofessional Team, Third Edition
• Preventing Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls, Third Edition
• End-of-life care during the last days and hours
• Delirium, Dementia, and Depression in Older Adults: Assessment and Care, Second Edition

VHA has long been a champion of evidence-based practices and decision making at the point of care. The BPSO partnership has not only helped us build on work already being done, but also supports new initiatives to help further demonstrate VHA’s commitment to excellence in home care.