This year’s reviews had a shift from the historical trends. 2023 showed a substantial increase in recommendations related to both Communication/Documentation and the Acute and Long-Term Care (LTC) Industry. The reasons for these shifts are likely complex and multifactorial.

Due to the rate of complex medical and psychiatric conditions present in the older population, they often require a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers with specialized skills. This team approach is vital, as it ensures that all aspects of an individual’s health are addressed, from medical treatment to emotional and psychological support. However, communication breakdowns within and between these teams can lead to significant gaps in care, impacting patient outcomes and safety.

In the cases reviewed, we observed numerous instances where communication challenges contributed to adverse outcomes. These issues ranged from inadequate documentation and ineffective relaying of critical information between healthcare providers, to challenges with interaction with families. These issues not only affect the quality of care, but also impact trust and create barriers to effective problem-solving.

Recommendations to the Acute and LTC sector encompass higher level recommendations that could apply across the LTC sector rather than to just a specific facility. Issues related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the changes brought about in the Fixing Long-Term Act are reflected in some of the cases reviewed in 2023. The main areas of focus of the recommendations in this category are related to the physical structure/maintenance of LTC homes, as well as policies and training standards that could be applied broadly, beyond just the specific death that was reviewed.   

The GLTCRC acknowledges and appreciates the dedication of those involved in elder care across Ontario. The professionals and caregivers working within this sector undertake the crucial task of supporting a vulnerable segment of our population with skill and commitment. Our hope is that the insights and recommendations from this committee’s reviews will aid these individuals in enhancing their care practices, ensuring better outcomes for their patients, and providing families with the reassurance that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care.