How to use the EFQM Excellence Model to empower patients and staff create a latex-

safe environment

Karen Cunningham

Health & Safety Manager

Musgrave Park Hospital

Green Park Healthcare Trust

Northern Ireland

Why is it a problem? • Type I Allergy – immediate allergic reaction to NRL

proteins & is potentially life threatening.• Type IV Allergy – delayed hypersensitivity reaction

to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.• Increased use of examination gloves since late 1980’s

for infection control purposes.• NRL is recognised as a substance hazardous to health• Individuals at increased risk:

– Healthcare - Food allergies– Atopic allergic disease - Surgical procedures

7 Steps to European ExcellenceEuropean Quality Awards

Northern IrelandQuality Awards

Mark of Excellence

Gold Recognition

Silver Recognition

Bronze Recognition

EFQM Commitment to Excellence

Green Park Healthcare Trust

• Green Park Healthcare Trust were awarded the EFQM Mark of Excellence by the Northern Ireland Quality Centre in 2004.

• The EFQM Excellence Model has been used to illustrate how the process of Managing Latex Sensitisation is working in practice.

The EFQM Excellence Model

• Provides recognition at different stages of improvement.

• Encourages the organisation to apply excellence principles.

• Provides a structured approach to measuring improvement.

• The framework is based on 9 criterion.

The EFQM Excellence Model

The ‘Enabler’ Criteria covers what the organisation did.

- Leadership driving policy & strategy, people, partnerships & resources & processes.The ‘Results’ Criteria covers what the organisation achieved.

- Key performance, customers, people & society.

THE EFQM EXCELLENCE MODELTHE EFQM EXCELLENCE MODEL

Non-prescriptive Framework based on 9 CriteriaNon-prescriptive Framework based on 9 Criteria

10%

50% 50%

9%

8%

9%

14%

9%

20%

6%

15%

‘Enabler’ Criteria Covers What an Organisation Does

‘Results’ Criteria Covers What an Organisation Achieves

Excellent Results with Respect to Performance, Customers, People and Society are Achieved through Leadership driving Policy and Strategy, People Partnerships and Resources, and

Processes. Source: www.cforc.org

Dynamic Nature of

Model

Innovation and

Learning Help to

Improve Enablers -

lead to Improved

Results

Criterion 1 - Leadership

• To develop a latex-safe working environment.• Direct involvement in leading & co-ordinating the

Management of NRL from:– Health & Safety Manager

– Director of Nursing & Clinical Effectiveness

– Litigation Manager

– Occupational Health Department

• Health & Safety Manager facilitates regular progress / update meetings with nominated staff.

Criterion 2 – Policy & Strategy

• Policy & Procedural Arrangements relating to the Management of Latex Sensitisation (originally introduced in July 2003 – version 2 issued in May 2005).

• Clear roles & responsibilities.

• Various methods of communicating policy.

Criterion 3 - People

• Regular meetings of the Trust Latex Group – attended by nominated staff from throughout the Trust.

• Opportunities to improve knowledge – internal conferences / training.

• Involvement in development of local protocols / internal audits.

Criterion 4 – Partnerships & Resources

• Liaison with Trust & Regional Supplies.• Manufacturers & Suppliers – gloves and

other medical devices.• Information on display on service users &

staff.• Health & Safety Executive (GB) & Health

& Safety Executive for NI.• Latex Allergy Support Group.

Criterion 5 – Processes

• The Trust has designed, managed and improved it’s processes in order to support the policy in the following ways: – Identifying latex content of medical/non-medical

products– Introducing boxes containing latex free equipment– Sourcing latex-free alternatives– Use of Risk Discs on patients charts / allergy bracelets – Displaying Information Posters– Pre-Screening Patients– Changing to Latex free examination & household gloves

Criterion 6 – Customer Results

• Part of an overall proactive approach to identify & manage patient allergies to ensure the delivery of a safe & efficient service.– Planned Operations involving latex allergic

patients to prevent cancellations– Reduction in the number of adverse incidents

relating to Natural Rubber Latex

Criterion 7 – People Results

• Staff & Patient awareness of Natural Rubber Latex sensitisation.

• Aware of key sources of information throughout the Trust.

Criterion 8 – Society Definition

• Planned Approach

• Safer environment of Care

Criterion 9 – Key Performance Results

• System to identify patients/staff at risk• Prevent cancelled surgery• Incorporated as part of the Trust’s Risk Register to

monitor implementation of further action to reduce risk rating

• Communicate information on allergies with GP’s and other health professionals involved in the patients care

• Reduce numbers of latex allergies in staff • Compliance with relevant legislation & guidance