Patient safety in mental health has only recently become a health care field in its own right and as such, a lack of information for guiding patient safety systems, practices, policies, and care delivery for mental health currently exists.
To help address this knowledge gap, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) collaborated and commissioned a team from British Columbia Mental Health and Addiction Services (BCMHAS) to prepare a research paper that examines the patient safety issues unique to mental health care in Canada, Patient Safety in Mental Health.
Together with a pan-Canadian Advisory Committee, the OHA and CPSI engaged experts and stakeholders from across Canada and internationally, seeking their expertise and advice throughout the research and writing process. The research findings in the paper highlight the important challenges and opportunities for improving patient safety in mental health specifically related to policy, planning, practice and research. The findings also support the development of strategies and initiatives at national, provincial/territorial, and local levels.
The first of its kind in Canada, this paper’s innovative and thought-provoking research, will assist your efforts in improving the safety and quality of care for all mental health patients.
The paper was formally launched at OHA's Mental Health and Patient Safety: Broadening our Understanding. Building the Momentum conference that took place on September 17th and 18th, 2009.
Electronic versions of the paper are available in English and French, and can be downloaded by clicking on the following links:
English
French
Hard copies of the paper are available in English only, and can be purchased in the Knowledge Centre store.