Awards and Key Dates

The Kickstarter Award recognizes teams who take early initiative by registering for the program and preparing to improve the appropriate use of antipsychotics in their care settings. This award is a great way to kick-start your team’s efforts, gain early recognition and receive support for your commitment to positive change.
There’s no separate submission form required. Each team registered in the program receives one ballot.

Register now to be entered into the draw

The Improvement Plan Award recognizes teams that develop thoughtful, inclusive plans to improve the appropriate use of antipsychotics in care settings.

Evaluation Criteria:

To be eligible, teams must submit a detailed Improvement Plan Submission Form, evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Team Approach: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities, diverse perspectives and alignment with HEC’s AUA Approach. Consideration is given to resident, family or essential care partner involvement.
• Background, Aim Statement & Change Ideas: Background context, a problem description and a SMART aim statement. Change ideas align with the AUA Approach, emphasizing person-centred care and workforce safety.
• Measures & Data Collection: Clearly defines the targeted population, selects measures that demonstrate impact (including balancing measures) and outlines feasible data collection strategies.
• Creativity & Innovation: Showcases originality and innovative approaches to improving antipsychotic use.
• Project Management: Includes realistic timelines, resource considerations, plan–do–study–act cycles and change management strategies.

For more information, see the Terms and Conditions (PDF)

The Person-Centred Care (PCC) Award recognizes teams that have successfully implemented person-centred initiatives that reduce the use of antipsychotics while improving the overall experience of care. Eligible submissions must focus on one of the following areas:

• Care Planning & Implementation: Integration of PCC principles into care planning and execution, showing how personalized plans reduce antipsychotic use as part of holistic care.
• Staff Training & Practice Change: Programs that educate staff on PCC, non-pharmacological strategies and sustainable practice change, with evidence of improved outcomes.
• Resident and Family Engagement: Initiatives that involve residents, families and essential care partners in care decisions, strengthening support systems and fostering collaboration.
• Team Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork that enhances communication, coordination and shared decision-making in the delivery of person-centred care.

Register now to begin your submission

The Progress Award celebrates teams that are actively working toward improving the appropriate use of antipsychotics and can show early, measurable progress. Submissions should demonstrate change using program indicators, supported by at least three months of data following the baseline.

Award Criteria:

• Quantitative Progress: Demonstrates improvement through outcome and balancing measures, such as a reduced rate of potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use or the discontinuation of medications where appropriate.
• Progress Narrative: A clear story of change, aligned with the AUA Approach. Qualitative evidence should complement the data, including resident and family voices.
• Sustainability & Spread Potential: A plan for continuing and expanding the initiative, with strategies to support implementation.
• Clarity: Submission is clear, concise and includes the necessary details for evaluation.

Register now to begin your submission

The Workforce Safety Award celebrates long-term care teams that are making meaningful improvements to workplace safety through innovative, practical actions. Teams submit a photo essay with 5–10 photos and captions that showcase how their AUA initiative is fostering a safer, more supportive environment.

Eligible submissions focus on:

• Small Changes, Big Impact: Everyday improvements, such as better communication or equipment, that lead to significant safety gains.
• Non-pharmacological Interventions: Approaches like music therapy, sensory stimulation or personalized care plans that reduce medication use and improve safety.
• Creating a Culture of Safety: Team efforts such as training, open communication and leadership that make safety a core workplace value.

All eligible entries will be entered into a random draw to receive one of 30 awards of $5,000 CAD.

Register now to begin your submission

The Impact Award recognizes teams that have achieved measurable, sustained improvements in the appropriate use of antipsychotics. Submissions should reflect both strong data and compelling stories that highlight the real-world impact of these improvements on residents, families and staff.

Award Criteria:

• Quantitative Results: Demonstrates measurable improvements across required and additional indicators. Must show reduction in antipsychotic use and alignment with the initiative’s aim.
• Impact Narrative: Tells the story behind the data, including resident and family experiences. Aligned with the AUA Approach and focused on improving dementia care.
• Sustainability & Spread Potential: Presents a feasible plan to continue and expand results beyond the initial setting.
• Clarity: Submission is organized, specific and easy to evaluate.

For more information, see the Terms and Conditions (PDF)