Always Events

The Picker Institute’s website provides a refreshing view of patient care. Discussing ‘Always Events’ they focus (rather obviously) on the things that one should always do when working with patients. The aim is to optimize patient care through events that are significant (i.e. fundamental to patient care), evidence-based, measurable and affordable (i.e. things that the organization can do without major resource implications). The focus on patient safety is absolutely crucial in the effort to improve patient care, but a renewed effort to meaningfully engage with patients and others to determine what should always be in place is energizing. Unsurprisingly, the key areas in which patients ask for Always Events include: respect; coordination and integration of care; information, communication and education; physical comfort. I am sure we would all say that we espouse these values and approaches to care, and in our relationships with students. For me, the Picker Institute’s work is a timely reminder as I work with my colleagues to develop the pre-registration nursing curriculum – with the person (patient, student) – at the centre of the experience.