The Knowledge Translation (KT) Challenge project is led by Mohinder Mann, a registered nurse and healthcare leader with over two decades of experience in acute care, community health, and long-term care. She is supported by a team of dedicated Quality Partnersprofessionals with expertise in quality improvement, and patient safetywho work together to support better outcomes for residents in long-term care (LTC) across Fraser Health.
This project aims to address the issue of avoidable emergency room (ER) transfers from LTC facilities. Many residents in long-term care are sent to the ER for health concerns that could have been safely managed on-site. These unnecessary transfers are stressful for residents and families, can result in medical complications, and increase pressure on already stretched emergency departments.
The project will be implemented across two LTC facilities within Fraser Health, which serves communities in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Our team identified a gap in how early signs of resident health decline are recognized and responded to at the point of care.
To address this, we are developing a Quick Alert Toola simple, user-friendly guide that will help care staff quickly identify early warning signs of illness or deterioration. This tool will be rooted in best practices and tailored to fit into their workflows in long-term care homes. Staff will receive training, mentorship, and ongoing support to effectively implement the tool in their work routines.
The team anticipates that this project will lead to earlier interventions, improved resident comfort and outcomes, and a reduction in avoidable ER transfers. More importantly, it will help translate knowledge into practice by giving frontline staff the confidence and tools they need to act quickly. Ultimately, this project aims to strengthen resident-centered care and improve system efficiency across the BC health system.