In this edition of UHN On The Go:
Health fair helps connect Chinese-speaking patients and families with care
Chinese-speaking patients and families often face barriers when trying to access health information and community services.
To address that gap, UHN’s Patient and Family Learning Centre recently hosted a Chinese health fair at Toronto Western Hospital, which brought together health care providers, community organizations and volunteers to connect attendees with health information, preventive screenings and support services in their preferred language.
By providing access to information in a culturally and linguistically accessible setting, the fair aimed to improve health literacy and help patients and families better navigate the health care system.
The initiative was developed in partnership with the Toronto Chinese Health Education Committee and several community organizations, which worked alongside UHN to offer a range of health and wellness resources. The partners co-ordinated educational sessions, connected participants with clinicians and community services, and created opportunities for attendees to engage directly with organizations supporting the Chinese community.
The event also featured Chinese-language health talks, educational resources and opportunities for attendees to learn about available health and community supports.
Schroeder Arthritis Institute initiatives improving patient care
Patients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions often interact with multiple care providers throughout their treatment journey. Recent initiatives at UHN’s Schroeder Arthritis Institute are helping strengthen access to care, improve patient education and ensure patients receive the right support at the right time.
In one example, the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle team expanded its existing care model by adding chiropody, creating more direct access to specialized support for patients with complex foot conditions.
The change was driven by patient feedback and a review of clinic workflows that identified opportunities to better align patient needs with provider expertise. By expanding the team's scope of services, patients with complex foot conditions now have improved access to specialized wound management, preventative foot care and education to help reduce future complications.
Since implementing the model, the clinic has reduced in-clinic wait times by 58 per cent while increasing its capacity to care for patients with complex needs.
The Institute has also introduced improvements for patients recovering from non-surgical distal radius fractures, commonly known as broken wrists. A collaboration between the Fracture and Hand Clinics led to the development of standardized patient education resources, earlier physiotherapy referrals and instructional videos available online.
To help make the materials more accessible, resources were translated into seven languages.
The initiative has improved continuity of care and recovery outcomes for patients, while also drawing interest from five institutions across Ontario that have requested the materials for use in their own organizations.
Exploring how technology can support compassionate care
As health care organizations continue to adopt new digital tools and technologies, an important question remains: how can innovation enhance human connection rather than detract from it?
That question was at the centre of Digital Compassion in Teaching and Learning, a recent event hosted by Convergence, that brought together colleagues from across UHN to explore how technology can support compassionate, patient-centred care.
Convergence is an educational series focused on the intersection of care, education and research, creating opportunities for staff from a range of disciplines to share ideas and learn from one another.
Presentations highlighted a number of initiatives, including the Patient Charter for the Accountable Use of AI in Healthcare, interprofessional learning opportunities and approaches to research participation.
The goal of the event was to discuss how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can be implemented in ways that strengthen trust, empathy and meaningful connections between patients, families, learners and health care providers.
Participants were encouraged to think about digital compassion as an intentional practice — one that places people at the centre of technological innovation.
Lyndhurst initiative aims to support patients' essential needs
A new initiative at UHN’s Toronto Rehab Lyndhurst Centre is helping address a challenge faced by some patients entering rehabilitation: access to necessities such as clothing, footwear and toiletries.
The Interprofessional Collaboration and Engagement Council (ICEC) recently launched a fundraising effort to support the creation of a patient clothing and essential needs closet, which will help reduce barriers that can affect a patient's rehabilitation journey.
The initiative was inspired by staff from across disciplines who identified an opportunity to support patients beyond their clinical care needs.
As its first project, ICEC organized a community fundraiser that brought colleagues together in support of the new resource. The team hopes to help ensure patients can focus on their recovery and rehabilitation goals rather than the challenges associated with lacking basic necessities.
More than 75 staff members participated in the fundraiser, and organizers say the response has generated momentum for the project, with staff already contributing ideas, donations and support to help stock the closet once it opens.
The initiative highlights how small acts of community support can contribute to a more positive patient experience and help address practical barriers to care.
Music brings patients, staff and trainees together at Toronto General
The Multi-Organ Transplant Student Research Training Program (MOTSRTP) recently brought together patients, staff, volunteers and trainees at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital for the 15th annual Music for the Heart and Soul concert.
In collaboration with Volunteer Services, the concert is part of a broader effort to improve the hospital experience through arts-based initiatives that foster connection and well-being among patients, families and staff.
This year's event featured more than 25 trainees and volunteers, whose performances helped create moments of enjoyment and a sense of connection among patients, families, staff and visitors.
The concert also provides students and trainees with opportunities to contribute to the UHN community beyond their clinical and research experiences.
Featuring vocal performances and a variety of instruments, the "golden hour"-themed concert highlighted the many ways individuals can contribute to patient care and well-being.
Organizers say the event serves as a reminder that meaningful moments of connection can have a lasting impact and that supporting patients extends beyond direct clinical care.
