In 2019, the College modernized our
approach to quality improvement by providing
physicians with the tools they need to
continuously assess and improve their
practice.
In transforming our program, we’ve moved from “a
single point in time” assessment model to one that
provides various opportunities for lifelong learning. It is
an accessible quality improvement platform, reflective
of the way physicians work and the needs they have.
In developing this new program, the core principles
were clear:
Change the philosophy of assessment to focus
on continuous improvement
Make better use of technology by building
a system that respects the way physicians
practise medicine
Strengthening practice with a proactive
approach that facilitates interaction and selfreflection
To make this possible, the CPSO created a new fully
online platform where physicians participate in selfdirected
quality improvement.
In 2019, the Quality Assurance Committee and CPSO
Council approved a pilot of the new QI program.
The new program involved more than 200 Ontario
physicians, who volunteered their time to test these
new tools. Along the way, the volunteers developed a
practice profile for themselves, took part in a selfguided
chart review, and looked at data about their
own practice to reflect on their delivery of health care.
At the end of the pilot, more than 90% of these
doctors completed the pilot by submitting a practice
improvement plan. What’s more, at least 85% of
them said that Quality Improvement program was a
valuable exercise for learning and identifying areas
for continuous improvement.
The final version of the platform reflects the insights
they provided on their user experience.
The program launched in early March 2020.
Throughout 2020, hundreds of physicians will
complete the exercises and submit a practice
improvement plan. This framework provides an
opportunity for physicians to interact with the
College as it pertains to quality improvement on a
five-year cycle.
WHAT WE HEARD
“On the whole it was a very worthwhile
experience and made me honestly
reflect on my practice and future
plans to practise safely. I would
recommend it to anyone and would
gladly partake again.”
“Now that this is done, I would like to
thank you for your responsiveness and
the excellent service you personally
provided.”
“I am glad to be part of it; it was quite
a learning experience with a great
opportunity for self-reflection.”
“It was quite insightful on ways that
I could help myself as well as my
patients.”
“Helped me structure some of my
goals and set timelines / develop
strategies for changes so that they
were more concrete, rather just ideas
that have been floating around in the
back of my head.”
CPSO ANNUAL REPORT 2019 // 29