Dec 19, 2024
After 13 years as Board Chair, Dr. Susan Shaw is passing the torch to new leadership. Her tenure has been one of profound transformation and unwavering dedication to quality improvement in our health system.
More than simply a leader, Dr. Shaw has been a passionate advocate of high-quality patient care. Under her stewardship, HQC has been recognized as a leading source of quality improvement expertise in our province and a pivotal player in fostering safe and integrated care for patients and families in our health system.
Key milestones achieved under Dr. Shaw’s leadership include:
- Saskatchewan Change Day: This province-wide campaigned organized by HQC was part of an exciting global movement aimed at making small health care improvements, the first of its kind in Canada.
- Clinical Quality Improvement Program: Launched to enhance physicians’ capability for quality improvement, this program has since evolved into QI in Clinics and trained a total of 130 primary care clinical team members, improving patient care in 11 communities.
- Patient- and Family-Centered Care Guiding Coalition: This coalition gathered feedback from over 620 patients and families across Saskatchewan, leading to the adoption of flexible visiting hours in all health care facilities.
- Choosing Wisely Saskatchewan: This initiative was established to improve dialogue between Saskatchewan physicians and patients regarding the appropriate use of tests, procedures, and medications.
- BestPractice Primary Care Panel Reports: These reports provide family physicians with actionable insights and educational modules to better understand their patients and their needs.
- Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies: Contributing our research and analytical expertise, we participate in this nationwide network of researchers and data centres who collaborate to evaluate and monitor prescription drug usage, safety, and effectiveness in Canada.
- Response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, HQC redeployed our resources to support the health system by providing support for contact tracing, immunization clinic design and implementation, care pathway design, and real-time research to support decision making.
- Social Determinants of Health: Recognizing that three quarters of what affects health wellness is not related to traditional health care delivery, we shifted our focus to addressing the social determinants of health in addition to promoting improvement through training, education, and research.
- Global Partnerships: We’ve brought world-renowned improvement leaders such as Helen Bevan, Paul Plsek, and Brent James to Saskatchewan to share their wisdom and experiences.
- Journey to Reconciliation: Furthering our work towards reconciliation, we continue to support Indigenous data sovereignty and life promotion efforts in First Nations and Métis communities.
As Dr. Shaw steps down as Board Chair, we celebrate not only her remarkable legacy but also the exciting opportunity for a new leader to build upon her work. While she transitions from this role, her vast experience and expertise will continue to benefit HQC and our health system as she remains an invaluable member of our Board of Directors.
Dr. Shaw, thank you for your extraordinary leadership, your passion for quality improvement, and your unwavering commitment to enhancing patient care. Your impact will be felt for years to come, and we are excited to see how your continued contributions will drive further progress accelerating improvement in health and health care.
Here’s to celebrating your phenomenal journey and the promising future you’ve helped shape!
