Researching best outcomes 
Katie Dainty new Research Chair in Patient-Centred Outcomes
Katie Dainty, Research Chair in Patient-Centred Outcomes, North York General Hospital

At North York General Hospital the patient experience is at the heart of everything we do. Katie Dainty, PhD, the hospital's new Research Chair in Patient-Centred Outcomes, is interested in finding new ways to enhance this experience by applying an often-ignored lens: the patient's perspective. 

North York General is the perfect place to further her research in enhancing and transforming health care, according to Katie. "As the majority of Canadians receive hospital care in community hospitals such as North York General, I believe my research here will have the greatest impact on our population. And this hospital is very much focused on enhancing the patient and family experience."

Social media and health care: A new frontier 

Never has it been so easy to reach your personal and even professional networks on social media with updates on your own or a loved one's health status. This new reality brings with it both benefits and unintended consequences.

 "It's best to always consider what your intentions are before posting, as well as the possible outcomes and consequences," advises Rita Reynolds, Chief Privacy and Freedom of Information Officer at North York General Hospital. "When content is posted to social media platforms it never really disappears, even if you delete it. It can be copied and shared over and over again." 

Unintentionally over sharing personal information, specifically health-related private information, is to be strictly avoided.
Profile: Philip Weaver, Clinical Pastoral Supervisor

Philip Weaver, Clinical Pastoral Supervisor, North York General Hospital
Helping people comes naturally to Philip Weaver. Growing up, he was influenced by his father, a pastor who helped people find their way. 

Philip's new role as Clinical Pastoral Supervisor focuses on three main areas. He provides support to patients and their families; guidance and advice to staff, physicians and volunteers; and teaches a course to students in partnership with the Toronto School of Theology, affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh 
A severe allergic reaction requires an injection of a medication called epinephrine using an EpiPen and a follow-up trip to the emergency room.
A national survey from Food Allergy Canada shows that most Canadians at risk of a severe or even fatal allergic reaction do not carry their life-saving medication with them. Only 45% of Canadians would know how to treat someone having a severe allergic reaction. 

Would you know what to do?  Find out how to use an EpiPen and learn more from Norman Tang, Manager of the Outpatient Pharmacy. 

A question worth asking: Do I need that test?

Watch the video to learn how patients and families play an important role in the success of Choosing Wisely.
In two new videos from the Joint Centres for Transformative Healthcare Innovation, a partnership between six large community hospitals, Patient Advisors  Todd Sikorski and Sharon Deavitt share why they believe patients and families play an important role in the success of Choosing Wisely. 

Many doctors across the country are using Choosing Wisely recommendations to ensure patients only get the tests and treatment they need and avoid all unnecessary medical treatment.

New online Guide to Pregnancy and Birth 
Our online Guide to Pregnancy and Birth is filled with useful information and resources.
Are you and your partner expecting a new bundle of joy? Do you know someone expecting a baby?

This can be a very exciting time but also filled with many questions. Our Labour and Delivery Department has created an online  Guide to Pregnancy and Birth to help expectant parents navigate pregnancy, birth and beyond.

 
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The Pulse is a publication of the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department at North York General Hospital.  Learn more  or subscribe .