HIROC’s 2024 Safety Grants Recipients Embody the Very Best in Healthcare Safety Innovation

Nataly Farshait
Hands clapping at an event, text in blue reads HIROC Announces 2024 Safety Grants Recipients

The HIROC Foundation’s 2024 Safety Grants Program annual initiative is a cornerstone of HIROC’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing healthcare safety across Canada. 

This program empowers our Subscribers to action safety and aims to make healthcare environments safer for patients, families, support networks and care teams alike.

Last year’s Safety Grants Program saw an incredible response from Subscribers across the country, with applications spanning key areas of healthcare safety. Each application showcased the creativity and dedication to improve healthcare outcomes from across the country.

The submissions demonstrated a wide range of innovative approaches to addressing critical safety challenges in healthcare. From leveraging advanced technologies to enhancing staff training and education, the applicants presented compelling strategies to solve complex problems. 

Our 2024 recipients exemplify the very best in healthcare safety innovation. Their projects address systemic challenges, leveraging evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive measurable improvements. The initiatives selected for funding stood out for their potential to deliver significant impact, scalability, and sustainability within their respective areas of focus.

Check out the list of 2024 recipients on our Safety Grants Program page.

A Glimpse at What We Saw This Year

A key focus of the program was the prevention of perinatal/neonatal harm. Many applicants showcased initiatives aimed at reducing patient safety incidents during childbirth, enhancing monitoring systems, and improving care coordination. These projects underscored the importance of a proactive and patient-centered approach to perinatal/neonatal care.

Another critical area of focus was the prevention of death by suicide while under care. Applications in this category emphasized the need for integrated mental health supports, early intervention strategies, and robust safety protocols. These projects highlighted the urgent need to address mental health within healthcare settings, improve transitions of care, and to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the care and support they need.

Projects addressing patient deterioration showcased innovative redesign of workflows, improvement in interprofessional communication, and utilization of data analytics to enable timely interventions. Early warning systems, predictive modeling, and enhanced communication pathways were among the strategies proposed to mitigate risks and improve outcomes. These efforts reflect a growing emphasis on interprofessional collaboration to anticipate and respond to patient needs.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and the impact on safety were also prominent themes in this year’s program. Applicants proposed initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities, amplifying voices of equity deserving groups, and creating more inclusive healthcare environments. 

Workplace violence prevention emerged as another critical area, with submissions focusing on protecting healthcare workers from physical and psychological harm. Proposed strategies included de-escalation training, environmental design improvements, and the development of comprehensive violence prevention programs. These initiatives underscore the importance of safeguarding those who provide care.

The HIROC Foundation is proud to support these exceptional projects, which represent the collective effort of healthcare organizations across Canada. The selection process was rigorous, reflecting the high caliber of applications received. We commend all participants for their dedication to advancing healthcare safety.

As we look to the future, the impact of these projects will extend far beyond their immediate settings. The experience and wisdom gained from the projects will serve as valuable resources for the entire healthcare community. The HIROC Foundation remains committed to sharing insights and outcomes from these initiatives, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

We sincerely thank all the applicants for your vision and commitment. Together, we are shaping a safer, more equitable healthcare of the future. We look forward to seeing the transformative effects of these projects in the years to come. Stay tuned for updates as these initiatives take shape and inspire others to follow suit.

If you have any questions about HIROC’s Safety Grants Program, reach out to us at [email protected]

And if you would like to share your progress and success from a past program year, please contact us at [email protected]

Nataly Farshait is HIROC's Director, Healthcare Safety and Risk Management.