Longwoods Healthcare Services Radio

Insights Episode 12: Optimizing Human Resource Management in the Time of COVID-19 at York Region

Optimizing Human Resource Management in the Time of COVID-19 at York Region

Rina Lamba and Julia Roitenberg

When the pandemic started in February 2020, York Region was faced with constantly changing conditions and minimal data to help guide decision making. We were challenged to make informed decisions with limited information as we redeployed our staff of 500 to support the COVID-19 response. The situation was unprecedented.

As senior leaders, we were, and continue to be, in a situation that the US Army has called “VUCA” – a popular acronym used to describe and reflect on an environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Scholars Bennett and Lemoine (2014) believe that understanding VUCA can enable organizational leadership to be more effective in preparing for, and responding to, uncontrollable events that are characterized by the four VUCA categories.

 

Insights Episode 11: COVID-19: Five Learnings that Could Transform Ontario Healthcare

COVID-19: Five Learnings that Could Transform Ontario Healthcare 

Gary Sims, Mike Lapaine, Dave Edwards and Pam McLaughlin

It is clear that the various organizations within the healthcare system in Ontario have cooperated to manage the challenge of COVID-19 and – together with the public – avoided the high volumes of cases seen in other areas of the world in the early weeks of the pandemic. We experienced tragic losses of life in long-term care and retirement residences, but other sectors stepped in to share the burden. In many areas, a great deal of problem-solving took place in a short time based on a limited but evolving understanding of the disease.

Are there lessons in this crisis that could make our system stronger as we face a second wave of the virus, and whatever lies beyond it? Based on our first-hand experiences through SWAHN, we believe there are.

 

Longwoods Breakfast: The Lessons of COVID-19 for Canadian Learning Health Systems

October 21, 2020. Rick Glazier, Scientific Director of the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research at the Canadian Institute of Health Research updates us on strategic directions for CIHR-IHSPR and how they are being amplified and modified by the pandemic.

Insights Episode10: Best Laid Plans: When a Pandemic Complicates Hospital Funding Reform

Best Laid Plans: When a Pandemic Complicates Hospital Funding Reform 

Karen S. Palmer and Noah Ivers

COVID-19 has created historic financial pressures for Canadian hospitals. When the pandemic escalated in March 2020, hospitals everywhere ramped up in heroic and unprecedented ways in anticipation of a sharp rise in demand for services. Governments – both provincial and federal – increased health sector funding to expand hospitals’ capacity in case the curve was not flattened. But how much flexibility do hospitals have in deciding how they spend this money?

Longwoods Breakfast: Best Laid Plans with Helen Angus and Matt Anderson

September 16, 2020. Get an update from Matthew Anderson President and CEO, Ontario Health and Helen Angus Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, Ontario

Insights Episode 9: Staffing for Nursing Home Care: COVID-19 and Beyond

Staffing for Nursing Home Care: COVID-19 and Beyond

Pat Armstrong, Charlene Harrington and Margaret McGregor

As we search for ways to deal with COVID-19 in nursing homes, and to prevent such tragedies in the future, it seems obvious that we need to begin with staffing. British Columbia began its efforts to control the spread of the virus in these homes; Ontario called in the military; and Quebec will attempt to hire and train 10,000 healthcare workers. Yet, there are those who still argue that there is insufficient evidence, linking staffing levels and quality of care, or on appropriate staffing levels to establish enforceable standards. We beg to differ. 

Breakfast with the Chiefs: The 'Now Normal': Transitions in Health Services During and Beyond the Pandemic with Jennifer Zelmer

June 23, 2020. Jennifer Zelmer, President & CEO of CFHI explores this evolving 'now normal,' addressing vulnerabilities the pandemic has highlighted and opportunities to move towards better care, closer to home and community...now and beyond.

Insights Episode 8: Where Do We Go from Here? Confronting Racism in Healthcare

Where Do We Go from Here? Confronting Racism in Healthcare

Adnaan Bhyat

As Canadians we are not special or much different from our neighbours. Racism, both individual and systemic, is rampant throughout our country. And no, the health system is not the altruistic, infallible institution we believe it to be.

Breakfast with the Chiefs: The Past, Present and Future of Integrated Care in Ontario with Susan Fitzpatrick

March 4, 2020. Susan Fitzpatrick, former Interim CEO, Ontario Health in conversation with Brian Golden, Vice-Dean, MBA Programs; Sandra Rotman Chair in Health Sector Strategy at The University of Toronto engages Susan in a discussion about her journey through Health Integration in Ontario.

Insights Episode 7: iKNOW Health: Helping People Navigate Complex Health Systems by Addressing Health and Digital Health Literacy

iKNOW Health: Helping People Navigate Complex Health Systems by Addressing Health and Digital Health Literacy 

Jo-Louise Huq, Troy Stooke, Tracy Wasylak and Patty Wickson

Navigation is a challenge in healthcare, and is increasingly becoming so as information, resources, digital tools and even providers grow in numbers and change rapidly. Navigation involves being able to find information and services when needed, communicating with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about care needs and using digital health tools in ways that support one’s health. An inability to effectively navigate can have a negative impact on the care people receive and on their experiences with providers, organizations and the healthcare system as a whole.