Essential Care Partners

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Overview

An Essential Care Partner (ECP) is a support person whose presence is considered essential to the safety and well-being of a patient while they are in the hospital. An ECP is different from a social visitor or a paid support worker. Most often, they are family or close friends of the patient who typically know the patient’s health history, lifestyle and personal values.

Having a familiar person available to patients to provide different types of support can help improve their health outcomes. The ECP designation provides a consistent and equitable way for patients to have access to this support as safely as possible despite visitor restrictions and is consistent with the hospital’s vision to provide each patient with the world-class care, exceptional service and compassion we would want for our loved ones.

A person sits beside a hospital bed, gently holding the hand of an elderly patient who is lying under white blankets, wearing a blue hospital gown and appearing comforted by the support.

Are ECPs permitted in all cases?

As much as possible, every patient who wants an ECP should have access to one. However, there are certain instances where ECPs may not be permitted for safety reasons.

How an ECP can support a loved one

There are many ways an ECP could offer support to their loved one. Some examples could include:

  • Advocating for them.
  • Supporting their decision-making.
  • Providing emotional and cognitive support.
  • Being a part of planning their care while in the hospital and once they are discharged.
  • Helping them use technology to connect with friends or loved ones.
  • Helping them eat, move around, bathe, communicate etc., as needed.
  • Participating in patient and family education.
  • Letting the care team know when they see a change in the patient.

Choosing an ECP

All patients at The Ottawa Hospital (or their Substitute Decision Makers (SDM)) can choose one ECP plus a maximum of one alternate if needed. However, not every patient will want or need an ECP. Ultimately, it is each patient’s decision to make. For patients needing more than one ECP, all involved should work together to develop an alternating schedule so that only one of their ECPs is at the hospital at a time. 

Steps to becoming an ECP

Selection

The patient or Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) chooses one to two people as their ECP.

Registration

The health-care team or clerk and unit manager register the person(s) as an ECP.

Training

The ECP is offered online training on infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices. If there are barriers to completing the online training, ECPs can access printed material or receive direct teaching from IPAC staff.

Agreement

The ECP agrees to follow IPAC practices and unit-specific policies. These can include physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks. Health-care staff must observe the ECP to ensure they are using personal protective equipment effectively.

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Have questions about the ECP initiative?

Talk to a member of your care team or call 613-722-7000.