The new Physician Master Agreement (PMA) has brought something original to Canada. Funding that enables facility-based doctors to be more effectively engaged to contribute their voice in Health Authority decisions. The goal of this new funding is to seek collaboration on mutually agreed upon priorities that improve patient care and the health care system. The Specialist Services Committee has the responsibility of overseeing this initiative and distributing funding.
Spotlight on a Specialty: Infectious Diseases
Dec 3, 2014
Probably no other speciality relies more on its multidisciplinary teams than Infectious Diseases (ID), from health care workers to housekeepers. “We need cohesive care teams to address complex global infectious disease challenges,” says Dr Dwight Ferris, President of the BC Infectious Diseases Society, “not act simply as a local resource but as a global community.” According to Dr Ferris, the biggest challenge facing the speciality today is globalization. “Worldwide pandemics develop quickly, and what happens on the other side of the world can easily affect us here in BC.”
Capturing and Growing Q&I Ideas
Dec 3, 2014
An important part of SSC’s work includes supporting and growing specialist’s quality and innovation (Q&I) ideas. This work has been going on for more than two years. Initially, $8 million funded about 20 Q&I projects, and now $15 million is available for another round of Q&I projects.
Implementing ERAS protocol for BC’s surgical programs
Dec 3, 2014
With SSC’s goal for perioperative improvements, the implementation of a provincial Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Collaborative is underway. The Collaborative aims to build ERAS capacity throughout BC’s surgical programs with a focus on elective colorectal surgery.
ERAS protocols are multi-modal perioperative care pathways designed to achieve early recovery after surgical procedures by maintaining pre-operative organ function and reducing the profound stress response following surgery.
Video Story: Hip Fracture Redesign Project – Timely Care
Nov 6, 2014
The Hip Fracture Redesign project began in eight pilot sites and is now being extended to all acute care centre who provide hip fracture care.
In the News: iPad and special app open communication lines between doctors and children
Oct 27, 2014
Published in the Vancouver Sun October 23, 2014
Talking to your doctor isn’t always easy. Difficult or personal topics can be challenging to discuss, yet are crucial to identify health and lifestyle concerns that might need immediate attention.
This is especially true for youth and adolescents, who are often uncomfortable sharing personal details with adults.
Dr. Sandy Whitehouse, former medical director of the emergency department at B.C. Children’s Hospital and a clinical associate professor at the University of B.C., has experienced and researched the communication challenges between youth and health care providers.
New Specialist EMR Funding and Post-Implementation Support
Oct 14, 2014
If you are a specialist who has adopted an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system – you should know about a new time-bound opportunity for additional support being offered through the Specialist Services Committee.
The EMR Funding and Post-Implementation Support offers additional funding of $3,000 per physician. In addition, there is training and technology support for you and your administrative staff, which can include Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Learning Sessions, physician and MOA peer mentor support, EMR User Group meetings, and specialized technical support. The funding and support is only available until March 2015, and you must apply to participate by the end of November.
Dr. Jack Taunton Takes Centre Stage
Sep 29, 2014
Dr Jack Taunton was inducted this year into the BC Sports Hall of Fame. In the 1970’s, Sports Medicine was a rare specialty and one of its leading lights was Dr Jack Taunton. In 1977, Dr Taunton and fellow practitioner, Dr Doug Clement established Vancouver’s first sports medicine clinic, which eventually became the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre.
Timely Intervention Key for Mental Health
Sep 5, 2014
In Port Hardy a patient sits in a comfortable chair in a sound-proof room with a psychiatric nurse or mental health worker; both are staring at a small screen. Soon the screen lights up and a psychiatrist in Victoria appears on the screen ready to engage.
Hip Fractures – Reducing the Trauma
Sep 5, 2014
Every year almost 4000 older adults find themselves in emergency rooms with a fractured hip. These hip fractures are increasing by about 2% every year because of a large cohort of aging baby boomers. The Hip Fracture Redesign Project, one of the Quality and Innovation Initiatives sponsored by SSC, is implementing processes to provide optimal hip fracture care.
Spotlight on a Specialty: General Surgery
Sep 5, 2014
General surgery is like an umbrella – it covers surgeons with the skills, knowledge and familiarity to treat a broad spectrum of conditions. On any given day, a general surgeon could save the life of a car accident victim, repair a ruptured appendix or operate on someone with cancer.
In the News: Speedy surgery on hip fractures saves money-keeps seniors mobile
Jul 7, 2014
Published in Victoria Times Colonist July 6, 2014
A dramatic increase in the number of hip-fracture surgeries done within 48 hours at Royal Jubilee Hospital is decreasing complications, saving money and maybe saving lives
Raising the Level of Emergency Medicine
Jun 9, 2014
Dr. Michael Ertel has been practicing medicine for over 25 years. He’s a physician with a focused practice in Emergency medicine in Kelowna. Since his initial training, Ertel has seen younger ER doctors with enhanced skills in ultrasound use, airway management and simulation training. Being a life-long learner, he wanted to be properly trained in these skills. He also thought other doctors would be interested, too.
Innovative Ideas Flow from Specialists
Jun 9, 2014
In April, SSC dedicated $15 million to fund specialist-led ideas in quality and innovation. The call for ideas went out through an Expression of Interest (EOI). And BC specialists didn’t disappoint. SSC received over 300 ideas – a total value of $177 million. The EOI submissions came from specialists within all health regions.
Spotlight on a Specialty: Neurology
Jun 9, 2014
Magicians can trick our brains with a sleight of hand and we are delighted. But what happens when our brain tricks itself? An individual is often left confused, scared, and anxious – and that’s when the expertise of a neurologist is needed. Neurology is endlessly fascinating because the brain defines the essence of who we are.
Video Story: "Heart Pounding Excitement" Doesn't Always Mean Fun
Jun 9, 2014
Heart-pounding excitement is extolled by many theme parks and any monster truck rally, but for Vancouver engineer Emmanuel Domingo it has a very different meaning.
An inherited heart arrhythmia runs in Mr. Domingo’s family. It took the lives of four close relatives in their 40s and 50s. Domingo, now 56, not only fears for this own life, but is worried he may have passed on the genetic condition to his three sons, aged 18 to 25.
In the News: Kelowna Doctor Helps to Heal Patients Faster
Jun 9, 2014
Published in Kelowna Daily Courier April 2014
Dr. Ron Collins, who likes to hike, cycle or cross-country ski during his time off, is leading a group of colleagues in eight Interior Health hospitals that do colorectal surgery in new ways to foster better health for surgical patients.
Transforming the surgical experience for patients is the goal of a group led by a Kelowna doctor.
Anesthetist Dr. Ron Collins is leading a group of colleagues in eight Interior Health hospitals that do colorectal surgery in new ways to foster better health for surgical patients.
Expression of Interest - More Funding Opportunities from SSC
Mar 27, 2014
The SSC has dedicated up to $15 million to fund new specialist-led Quality and Innovation Initiatives for quality improvement and to address care gaps. An Expression of Interest (EOI) submission is available to actively practicing in BC specialists to complete online until April 30. More information is available in the EOI information package and Frequently Asked Questions.
Spotlight on a Specialty: Respirology
Mar 14, 2014
Lungs – they breathe life into us and are one of the single most essential elements to our survival. They are responsible for a need so inherent we do it without even thinking about it. So what happens when disease strikes these vital organs?
ERAS - Turning Traditional Wisdom on its Head
Mar 14, 2014
A doctor picks up the chart of a patient scheduled for prostate cancer surgery that morning and the doctor’s orders do not say NPO. A head-scratcher for some, but for other doctors involved in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway - it makes perfect medical sense.