Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

A restorative approach pays attention to the importance of connection and relationship among people, groups, communities and systems. It is not focused on justice and care as narrowly defined within the current legal systems. A restorative approach can be deployed in other systems and institutions, including our healthcare systems. A restorative approach to healthcare harm, is about a shift not only in how healthcare services are delivered and requires that we think shift in values and thinking to prioritize the relationships between healthcare systems, providers and the people and communities for whom they provide care. How we structure our healthcare systems has implications for how we address and heal from harms, whether these harms are between people (healthcare providers and patients), or at systemic and institutional levels. A restorative approach is forward-looking and may help prevent healthcare harms and build trusting relationships at all levels for those working in or using the health system. It encourages being proactive to prevent harms and promote our well-being rather than being reactive after harms occur. This research will explore the use of a restorative approach to respond to healthcare harm and will investigate whether this approach helps people to heal and to build trust in our healthcare system.