Three teams at CHUM win Prix Stars

MONTREAL – Three teams from CHUM were given awards at the 3rd edition of the SRS Awards – Prix Stars du Réseau de la santé, which was held in virtual fashion on May 7. The SRS Awards were created by the Caisse Desjardins du Réseau de la santé and aim to underline and recognize the involvement of professionals in Québec’s health and social services sector.

The competition received more than a hundred applications. A list of finalists can be found at https://caissesante.ca/prix-srs-2021/

Two CHUM projects won first position and one team also obtained third position, in three different categories.

In the “Modern” category, for generating benefits for patients and their families by promoting new ways of doing things, a CHUM team took first place.

Project title: Implementation of a text messaging service for families (or accompanying persons) of patients receiving surgical care.

Project description: The day of the surgery is, for the patients, but also for the members of their family, an anxiety-provoking event. It is normal for a loved one to worry during this time and seek information about the patient’s condition.

In early 2021, the team implemented text messaging (SMS) with the designated coach. For each key moment of the surgical journey, an SMS is sent to him and precisely indicates the patient’s trajectory. The number of messages and the type of messages are adapted, according to the predetermined care trajectory.

Congratulations to the project leaders, Alexandre Mignault, head nurse, operating room; Pascal Mondoloni, assistant head nurse, operating room; and Stéphane Dupuis, administrative agent, operating room.

In the “Performing” category, where the emphasis is on uniting teams, a CHUM team also took first place.

Project title: Interdisciplinarity in the service of patients with COVID-19 – implementation of a prone position protocol in record time to relieve respiratory distress.

Project description: In early March 2020, the first patients with severe forms of COVID-19 were admitted to intensive care at the CHUM. To avoid complications related to the prone position of heavily fitted and sedated patients, an interdisciplinary team created a new protocol requiring a minimum of equipment.

A few days after the start of the first wave, many patients were already receiving this complex treatment thanks to training via video and simulations. Several health institutions (in Quebec and Ontario) have called on the intensive care of the CHUM to integrate this practice.

Congratulations to the project leaders: Geneviève Thériault-Poirier, occupational therapist; Phébé Gagnon-Courville, clinical nurse in advanced practice; Pierre Chapuis, nursing advisor; Dr Dominique Lafrance, intensive care doctor; Dr Marc- Jacques Dubois, intensive care physician; and Émilie Tremblay, respiratory therapist.

In the “Simple” category, for putting the human side of healthcare first, CHUM took third place.

Project title: COVID-19 virtual pre-triage in the emergency room via Zoom.

Project description: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of human resources is of concern. To optimize the assignment of our healthcare professionals, the team implemented, in the fall of 2020, a COVID-19 pre-triage process via the Zoom application to effectively direct the patient to the right place in the emergency room.

This technology allows the optimal use of human resources withdrawn for health reasons (maternity, immunosuppressed people, etc.), so that they perform the COVID-19 risk assessment of patients, remotely and safely.

Congratulations to Michael Naud, (pictured) nursing unit sector manager; Vincent Champagne, engineer; and Nathalie Caya, clinic-administrative co-manager.

The Caisse Desjardins du Réseau de la santé is a specialized group in the field of health, social services and life sciences for Desjardins. Serving students, professionals and retirees, its team is made up of advisers who are experts in the sector.

The contest is open to everyone – both members and non-members – who works in a Quebec health, social services or life science establishment.