Project History
Challenge Q+
In 2012, the MUHC initiated an annual competition, the Challenge Q+, as an initiative to promote and reward innovative ideas for Quality Improvement. Each year proposals submitted by the various faculties and departments of the MUHC are appraised by a panel of healthcare professionals and patient representatives for their innovation, sustainability and patient involvement. The winner of this competition is rewarded with a grant of $150,000 to design and run the initiative outlined in their proposal.
Previous winners include:
2012: The Adult Emergency Department’s (ED) PAIN FREE Initiative
2013: The Department of Radiation Oncology’s proposal to provide accurate wait-times to its patients
The Patient Survey
In the Summer of 2015, a joint task force of providers of care and patient representatives, from the Allan Memorial Institute and Griffith Edwards Centre Addictions Unit designed and administered a survey polling patients on their satisfaction with their care and the potential for its improvement.
The Recovery Transition Program
Drawing from the voice of the patient population, as expressed in the results of the survey, the task force drafted a proposal for a program where Peer Mentors would be trained to provide education, support and a living example of recovery to patients who were still in the process of transitioning from a Clinical setting to the Community.
On February 2016, it was announced that the proposal for the Recovery Transition Program had been selected by the Challenge Q+ Panel.
The Recovery Transition Program Thrives
From 2016-summer 2024, the Recovery Transition Program trains eight cohorts of peer mentors and mentors over 100 patients. Many workshops are formed, including a quarterly published Zine, a LGBTQIA2 group called Rainbow Chat meets weekly, a book club meets regularly, and a resource centre is up and running. Six-week workshops such as The RTP – RAP (Recovery Action Plan) Groups (targeted to those patients suffering from Mood/Psychotic disorders that have been recently discharged from inpatient care, TDP or Day Hospital) and the RTP –SMART (Self-management and Recovery Training) Groups (targeted to patients that are in longer term care within the Mental Health Mission and the Allan Memorial Institute) are developped and delivered alongside clinicians.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Recovery Transition Program Continues with a New Clinical Partner
After the closing of the program, volunteers stick together and continue meeting on a weekly basis. New ideas are thrown around, outreach is done and finally in March 2025, the Recovery Transition Program and Dunham House have their first meeting together. One was looking for a new home, the other was looking for a program. Officially launched in August 2025, the Dunham House- Recovery Transition Program now offers 12 week mentorships to clients as part of the DH Outpatient services.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Recovery Transition Program is Reborn with a New Name- RTPartners
The 2nd Annual Strategic planning meeting in March 2026 brought about changes in structure, as well as a new name.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION