Canadians want high quality healthcare that is grounded in scientific knowledge and human compassion.
Although the exponential growth of new technologies, productivity and efficiencies has been beneficial, there have been unintended consequences: patient dissatisfaction with care, medical errors, high levels of work-related stress and burnout, and increased cost to the system.
In 2012, Associated Medical Services launched a five-year initiative – The AMS Phoenix Project – to influence the evolving healthcare culture such that learning and practice environments balance scientific knowledge and high quality person-centred care. The result is leveraging the benefits of growth and addressing the unintended consequences.
Acting as a catalyst for change, AMS has supported Fellowships and grants that focus on tangible ways to strengthen health professionals’ self-identity and resilience, new curricula that instill knowledge, skills and values to support compassionate care, and best practices for healthy, respectful and collaborative work environments. AMS is also working with partners across Ontario, Canada and internationally to build a critical mass of educators, healthcare professionals, researchers and policy makers focused on advancing the discussion and implementing change.
In 2015, AMS undertook a review of the strategic framework of the Project, as well as its priorities and investments, to ensure its reach and sustainability. Many new partnerships have been forged and new components added to the compassionate care initiative, now referred to as the AMS Phoenix Program, but it remains committed to outcomes that will benefit patients and healthcare providers and re-center compassion in healthcare.