STANDARD 14.

Safety and Risk Management

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) contribute to a culture of safety for patients/clients , healthcare team members, and others, and adhere to risk management processes.

Performance Requirements

RTs:

9

Recognize situations or environments involving risks to the safety of patients/clients, healthcare team members, and others.

9

Plan, implement and evaluate preventive measures whenever possible.

9

Manage immediate risks to the safety of patients/clients, healthcare team members, and others and respond effectively to eliminate or mitigate harm.

9

Provide full and frank disclosure of all patient safety incidents in keeping with relevant legislation and employer policies.

9

Report incidents using established/appropriate processes.

9

Take part in timely risk event analysis and reflective practice to prevent a recurrence.

9

Ensure appropriate processes are in place for the proper maintenance and cleaning/disinfection/sterilization of equipment.

9

Monitor equipment for and during use, including but not limited to:

activation of appropriate alarms,
proper functioning and application, and
patient’s/client’s response to the applied technology

9

Perform procedures in accordance with applicable legislative, regulatory, employer, and manufacturers’ requirements.

9

Handle and dispose of dangerous substances and materials (e.g., biohazardous materials, medical gases, and liquids) in a safe manner according to best practices and established protocols (e.g., WHMIS).

9

Use preventative measures to reduce/eliminate hazards and maximize the health and safety of themselves, patients/clients, healthcare team members and others (e.g., protocols and policies related to occupational health and safety and wellness).

9

Participate in safety training programs (e.g., emergency preparedness), safety audits, and risk management activities as per legislative, regulatory, and employer requirements.

9

Collaborate and communicate effectively with other healthcare team members to maximize patient/client safety and the quality of care.

Patient / Client Expected Outcome

Patients/clients can expect the delivery of safe care by RTs.

RELATED RESOURCES

Canadian Patient Safety Institute. (2009). The Safety Competencies. Available at http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/en/toolsResources/safetyCompetencies/Documents/Safety%20Competencies.pdf
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2010). A Commitment to Ethical Practice. Available at: http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/Ethics.pdf
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2013). Bloodborne and Other Infectious Pathogens Position Statement. Available at http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/Positions/bloodborne_pathogen.pdf
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2014). Handling, Administration and Dispensing of Controlled Substances Position Statement. Available at http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/positions/Controlled_Substances_PS.pdf
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2016). Infection Prevention & Control. Clinical Best Practice Guideline. Available at: http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/PPG/Infection_Control_CBPG.pdf
Health Canada. (2015). Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/whmis-simdut/index-eng.php
National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies. (2016). National Competency Framework for the Profession of Respiratory Therapy. Part 1. National Standards for Entry-to-Practice. Available at: http://www.csrt.com/2016-national-competency-framework/
Ontario Government. (1990). Occupational Health and Safety Act. Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o01
Transport Canada. (2016). Transportation of Dangerous Goods. Available at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/safety-menu.htm

GLOSSARY

Communicates refers to “give or exchange thoughts, feelings, information… by writing, speaking, etc.; to exchange thoughts, feelings, or information easily or effectively.”[1] It implies a two-way communication process between the speaker and recipient involving active listening and reception.

Healthcare team refers to “peers, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals (regulated and non-regulated).”[2]

Near misses refer to “a patient/client safety incident that did not reach the patient/client. Replaces close call.”[3]

Patients/clients refer to individuals and their families requiring care or services. This may also include his/her substitute decision-maker or guardian.[4]

Timely refers to “happening at the correct or most useful time: not happening too late.”[5]