Specialist physician initiatives promote innovation and quality patient care

VANCOUVER, BC – BC’s doctors and the provincial government have approved funding of $8 million for 21 physician-led initiatives to support innovation in the health system that will lead to quality patient care and the most efficient use of resources. The Quality and Innovation initiatives were developed under the leadership of the Specialist Services Committee (SSC), a joint committee of the Ministry of Health and the BC Medical Association, which works to strengthen B.C.’s specialist care system. 

“Specialist physicians are committed to providing the best possible care for patients,”   said Dr. Shelley Ross, president of the BC Medical Association. “With this funding, they will be able to put some of their most innovative ideas into practice with the goal that successful programs will be expanded to other communities. This is another example of how BC’s doctors are strong partners in bringing about positive health care change.”

One initiative on Vancouver Island, the TeleMental Health Collaborative Care Program, will allow telehealth video connections for consultations with mental health patients when an in-person consultation is not possible.   This means patients will be able to get treatment without having to travel long distances. It also saves costs to the health care system, as out-patient mental health treatment is less expensive than treatment at in-patient facilities.

Another initiative will see the expansion of a program to promote recovery after colorectal surgery developed at Kelowna General Hospital to other facilities in Interior Health. The initiative saw improved patient outcomes while the length of hospital stay dropped from 12.8 days to four days, and the cost per case was cut in half from $16,000 to about $8,000.

“A wide range of exciting initiatives led by specialist physicians is being funded to help benefit patients and their families. For example, building a telehealth structure will provide specialist consultations in the patient’s own community rather than having them travel to larger cities and will help ensure faster and easier access to care,” said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid.

Specialists submitted over 160 proposals. To receive the funding, the initiative needed to demonstrate that it will improve population health, enhance patient/provider care and reduce or control the per capita care cost.  The SSC Quality and Innovation recognizes the unique contributions specialist physicians make and helps to support their active role in improving patient outcomes.

Funding comes from the Physician Master Agreement that designated funding for programs specific to specialists under the Specialist Subsidiary Agreement to enhance specialty medical services.  For the full list of initiatives visit: http://www.sscbc.ca/news/2012/08/14/quality-innovation-initiatives

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Media Contacts:

Ann MacDonald 
Senior Communications Manager 
BC Medical Association 
604 638-7849 or 604 306-1866 (pgr) 

Ryan Jabs 
Media Relations Manager 
Ministry of Health 
250 952-1887 (media line)

For media backgrounder click here