Homegrown innovation and collaboration improves coordinated care in BC

Two successful made-in-BC, physician-led health care innovations recently gained nationwide recognition. Pathways and RACE, projects developed with funding from Doctors of BC and the BC Government, were featured in the first of a new series of reports from the College of Family Physicians of Canada that highlights promising pilots, trials, and programs showing measurable results that may be useful to practitioners elsewhere in Canada. “Innovation in Primary Care: Effective Primary/Secondary Care Interface” highlights the collaborative efforts of Doctors of BC, the BC Government, divisions of family practice, and regional health authorities.

Pathways is an online directory streamlining GP-specialist referrals by providing information about wait times, areas of expertise, and specialty clinics. The Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice developed Pathways in 2014 and funding from the General Practice Services Committee (GPSC) has extended the tool to more than 3,500 physicians in 20 divisions across BC. More information about Pathways.
 

Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) connects GPs, NPs, and medical residents directly to specialists by telephone or app and includes a fee code to compensate GPs and specialists for referrals. Funded by the Shared Care Committee, RACE started with one phone line developed with Providence Health Care and Vancouver Coastal Health, and now includes four division-led lines around BC. More information about RACE.