Latest news
April 30, 2026

Welcoming the largest-ever BPSO® cohort

Group BPSO cohort

RNAO welcomed 31 health and academic organizations to its Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) program in April. It’s the largest cohort to date, marking a significant milestone in advancing evidence-based practice across Ontario’s health system.

The new cohort reflects a broad commitment across sectors, including public health, community care, hospitals, long-term care and Indigenous-focused services. Several organizations also bring expertise in mental health, substance use and harm reduction, strengthening approaches that are compassionate, ethical and grounded in the realities of the people they serve.

Over the next three years, participating organizations will implement multiple RNAO Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) and evaluate their impact on individuals, organizations and communities, with ongoing coaching and support from RNAO’s BPSO team.

The two-day orientation launch on April 14-15 featured remarks from RNAO CEO and BPSO program founder Dr. Doris Grinspun, Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister Dr. Karima Velji. The event also included a panel discussion highlighting experiences from BPSO organizations and opportunities to advance evidence-based practice across diverse care settings and numerous workshops.

Read and share highlights from Day 1 and Day 2 on RNAO’s X account.

BPSO orientation April 2026

  • Kate Land Acknowledgment
    Kate Hanson, program manager, Indigenous Health, opened the event with a land welcoming
  • Pannel
    RNAO’s long‑term care implementation coach Jules Mason moderates a panel discussion featuring Donald and Anna Johnston (IOOF Seniors Homes), Echefula Nwaokocha (CAMH Foundation), Minette MacNeil (Scarborough Health Network) and Shaelyn LeBlanc (Sault Ste. Marie First Nation Health Authority).
  • With strong energy in the room, participants perform the BPSO cheer on the first day of orientation.
    With strong energy in the room, participants perform the BPSO cheer on the first day of orientation.
  • Ontario’s Minister of Long‑Term Care, Hon. Natalia Kusendova‑Bashta, shares closing remarks on Day 1 of the orientation sessions and moments with RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun
    Ontario’s Minister of Long‑Term Care, Hon. Natalia Kusendova‑Bashta, shares closing remarks on Day 1 of the orientation sessions and moments with RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun
  • Ontario's Assisant Deputy Minister and Chief of Nursing & Professional Practice Dr. Karima Velji
    Ontario's Assisant Deputy Minister and Chief of Nursing & Professional Practice Dr. Karima Velji
  • Group BPSO cohort
    Participants gather on the final day of the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) orientation.