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Become a Member Welcome to the Central Okanagan Division! We are excited to have you joining us as a member. On this page you can learn all about Division programs/services, immigration resources, practicing in BC, and more. Membership Application Join the family physician community in the Central Okanagan! Click the button below to complete the online application. After you submit your application, the staff of the Central Okanagan Division will contact you. Apply for Membership Have you already successfully applied? Information for New Members Why Become a Member? Membership comes with notable benefits for family physicians! Pathways BC Access (free) Access to Pathways BC: Pathways is an online resource that provides physicians and their office staff/teams quick access to current and accurate referral information, including wait times and areas of expertise of specialists and specialty clinics. Pathways can also provide access to hundreds of patient and clinician resources, as well community service and allied health information that is categorized and searchable. UpToDate Access (free) UpToDate is the most trusted evidence-based clinical decision support resource at the point of care. Healthcare professionals use UpToDate to help answer even the most complex questions. Division members get access to UpToDate for free with their membership. Divisional Digest Newsletter (monthly) Each month the Division sends an email to your inbox containing pertinent clinical information, community events, and primary care resources. Patient Attachment Support for patient panel building: Central in-take system using the HealthLink BC Health Connect Registry. Networking and Educational Events The Division hosts multiple events throughout the year for physician networking and education (CME). Our newsletter has a calendar with upcoming events: https://www.divisionarchive.com/events Options to fit your practice and lifestyle preferences - Full time and part time opportunities - Diverse patient panel options - Small and medium group practices - Modern clinic spaces - Easily accessible with public transit and highways Collaboration with local programs: Long term care, maternity, practice supports Our Primary Care Network connects local family physicians with specialists, long term care, maternity, and robust practice supports. Locum Coverage The Division works with local family physician locums to cover your practice if you have a planned vacation or unplanned illness/other reason for taking time off. Primary Care Network: Training & Education The Primary Care Network (PCN) initiative offers member education events, team based care lunch and learns, clinic check-ins, and more. Participation in the PCN initiative offers physicians access to a collaborative care team such as a nurse in practice and allied healthcare professional collaboration. For more info, please contact pcn@codivision.ca Long-Term Care Connection to the Central Okanagan Long Term Care Initiative (LTCI): Member events and road shows Bi-annual surveys Quarterly incentives acceptance fees 5 Best Practices Tech Support Tech support services, including: Phone Online booking Virtual care Clinic websites Interpreter services MOA Network Supports Upskilling and professional networking for Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) networking annual education events monthly virtual meetings Working in the Central Okanagan Learn more about what it's like to work in our communities and essential information for family physicians who may be interested in practicing here. What it's like to work here

Member Services We provide a number of ongoing services to our family physician members, including access to technical, operational and administrative resources, as well as support with recruitment, career development, patient panels and running a practice. Membership Become a Member Membership is open to all family physicians in our region. Join us! Just joined? Get acquainted and find out your next steps. New Members Services Professional Development and Education Learn more about Continuing Professional Development (CPD), teaching and mentorship opportunities, and medical resident supports. Learn More Recruitment, Retension and Retirement Get help recruiting staff and managing career transitions. Learn More Technology and Accounts Support Get free access to UpToDate and Pathways BC, as well as support with EMRs and other IT resources. Learn More Patient Attachment and Panel Support Get support growing or reducing your patient panel. Learn More Clinic and Practice Supports Get support and resources for clinical operations and staff. Learn More

Contact Us If you have any questions about joining our Division , or you are a Division member with a question, please reach out! Contact us at admin@codivision.ca or fill out the contact form below. Contact Form DISCLAIMER FOR PATIENTS: We are not a medical facility and cannot provide medical advice, diagnosis, or prescriptive care of any kind. If you need emergency care or attention please visit the nearest hospital in your area. Otherwise, please contact your physician directly. If you don't have a physician, you can go to a walk-in clinic, register to get a family doctor or nurse practitioner , or find other Patient Resources . First name* Last name Email* Message Submit

Browse Division resources for nurses, nurse practitioners, allied health, and specialists. Resources for Other Health Professionals The Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice is a not-for-profit organization that exists primarily to support and empower family physicians across the region. But our vision for the Central Okanagan— family medicine thrives, healthy communities flourish —means our work impacts many different types of people. If you are a non-family-physician health professional, this page will help you discover which of our resources may be relevant to you. Primary Care Network The Central Okanagan Division helps administrate the Central Okanagan Primary Care Network (PCN), a program that allows primary care providers to connect patients to team-based care in their community. The network includes nurses , nurse practitioners , and allied health professionals . About PCN Resources by Profession For Allied Health (coming soon) Allied Health PCN Jobs For Nurses (coming soon) Nurse-in-Practice Program For Nurse Practitioners Nurse Practitioner (NP) Opportunities → For Specialists Shared Care Projects →

Working in the Central Okanagan Learn more about what it's like to work in our communities and essential information for family physicians who may be interested in practicing here. Communities On this page: Welcome to BC Why work in the Central Okanagan? Reasons to Choose Central Okanagan Communities The Central Okanagan is a dynamic and diverse community of around 235,473 and is the third-largest metropolitan area in British Columbia. Kelowna has a hot, sunny, and dry climate - other parts of Canada envy weather conditions. KELOWNA Kelowna harmonizes urban convenience with natural splendor. Its lakeside location offers water sports and hiking against a backdrop of rolling hills. Cultural enthusiasts relish art, music festivals, and local cuisine. Families appreciate schools, safety, and the UBC Okanagan campus, all enriched by a temperate climate for year-round enjoyment. LAKE COUNTRY Lake Country embodies the essence of lakeside living. With stunning vistas of serene lakes and lush landscapes, outdoor enthusiasts find paradise for boating, fishing, and hiking. Charming vineyards and orchards dot the area, contributing to a burgeoning wine and culinary scene. This tight-knit community offers a tranquil escape while being conveniently close to urban amenities, making Lake Country a captivating destination to call home. WEST KELOWNA West Kelowna is a community that beautifully blends natural splendor with modern living. Nestled between rolling hills and the shores of Okanagan Lake, residents enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, and water sports. The area's rich Indigenous heritage is celebrated through cultural events and experiences. With its proximity to both nature and urban conveniences, West Kelowna offers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. PEACHLAND Perched on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Peachland is a hidden gem within the Central Okanagan. This charming community boasts stunning lake and mountain views, offering residents and visitors a tranquil escape. Its picturesque waterfront, dotted with beaches and parks, provides a backdrop for water activities, picnics, and leisurely strolls. With a welcoming atmosphere, Peachland captures the peacefulness of lakeside living while maintaining a close-knit community spirit, making it a delightful place to call home. Welcome to B.C Thinking of moving to Canada and practicing in British Columbia? Our community is excited to welcome you! We have compiled resources below to make this transition seamless: 1. Getting Setup Once you submit your application to join our Division, our staff will reach out to you. In our welcome email, we will include the steps to get set up. Some of the things we will get you setup with are outlined on this page: Welcome to BC Resources 2. Red Carpet Welcome Our Division's "Red Carpet Welcome" program is designed to make the transition to our community easy and stress-free. Whether you are coming from another part of the province, another part of Canada, or elsewhere in the world, we go above and beyond to support you. Red Carpet Welcome 3. Learn About the Medical System in B.C. & Physician Compensation Every province in Canada has a different approach to medical care delivery. When it comes to compensation, the BC Ministry of Health has introduced a number of new contract options for BC’s physicians. They provide more choice for established and new-to-practice family physicians who want to move away from Fee-for-Service (FFS) and practice in a different way. Physician Contract Options

Shared Care Projects More information coming soon! What is Shared Care? Shared Care projects, funded by the Shared Care Committee ↗ , aim to facilitate collaboration between family physicians, specialists, and other partners , with the goal of providing a coordinated health care experience for patients. Past Shared Care initiatives in the Central Okanagan include: Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use (CYMHSU) Collaborative Teledermatology Initiative Diagnostic Imaging Initiative Current Projects Maternity Care Project More information coming soon! See Also Past Projects → Funding and Partners →

Privacy Policy The Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of the personal information entrusted to us. We take responsibility for handling personal information in a respectful and transparent way, including how it is collected, used, stored, shared, and safeguarded, in accordance with the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and other applicable laws. Our Privacy Policy

New Members Welcome to the Central Okanagan Division! We are excited to have you joining us as a member. On this page you can learn all about Division programs/services, immigration resources, practicing in BC, and more. Our Division The Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice includes family physicians from Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland. The Division is a non-profit co-operative governed by local family practice physicians who identify areas to improve care of patients with its members and work with partners towards solutions and results. The organization gives member physicians a stronger voice in improving patient health care in our community and provides opportunities to work with partners such as the Interior Heath Authority, Ministry of Health, FPSC, and other community organizations. Division Support The Central Okanagan Division is here to support you. Contact us anytime with any questions, comments or concerns, and our team will help! members@codivision.ca Select a topic: New Member Handbook Getting Setup Division Programs Red Carpet Welcome Practicing in B.C Resources Division Member Benefits New Member Handbook This handbook has everything that new members need, including immigration/relocation resources, getting setup in the Central Okanagan, Division Supports, practicing in BC, etc. Download our New Member Handbook Division Red Carpet Welcome We want to make relocating to the Central Okanagan seamless and stress-free, which is why we have our Red Carpet Welcome program. Our staff will help you with everything from finding a realtor, looking at different school options for your children, helping your spouse find a job, and finding the perfect clinic to suit your professional needs. Program highlights: Airport Pickup: We can pick you up when your flight lands and take you to your hotel or accommodations. Accommodations : If FP is international we can help you and your family find a place to stay. Discovery Meeting: Conducting initial meetings to get to know the new physician and what they are looking for in a clinic. Clinic Tours: Introducing new physicians to clinics within the community Community Showcase : Set up local activates and showcase the community Relocation Support: Once an FP lands we help you with: next steps to move here make connections to local realtors, car dealers, etc. tour rental homes if needed and do virtual walk-throughs help make local connections for your spouse to make finding a job easier help you navigate the local school district to get your kids on the list etc Mentorship Support : Connect with local mentors and other FP's who have recently moved from the same province or country. Community Integration: Make family connections between FP's that have kids of similar ages and interest. After Hours Support: Responding to inquiries "after" hours (24/7 support) Above and Beyond: Anything the FP needs to help them with the relocation to support to the individual and/or their family. Contact Us Contact our team with any questions you have, and we can coordinate welcoming you to our community: members@codivision.ca Getting Setup Once you submit your application to join our Division , our staff will reach out to you. In our welcome email we will include the steps to get set up. Some of the things we will get you setup with are: Divisions BC website, members-only side: divisionsbc.ca/central-okanagan Our Division team will send you your username and password. The Divisions BC website is your access point to UpToDate. Central Okanagan Division Website, members-only side: Create an account by going to this page of our website . Our team will approve your account, and you will have full access to the members-only side. The members-only side contains information fo r members including: Division recruitment services, division programs, upcoming events, board and staff contact information, etc. It also has a ‘members forum’ where members can post/respond to questions, have discussions, and develop community connections. UpToDate account: UpToDate is an award-winning online clinical decision support resource, available to Divisions of Family Practice members for use in individual practices at no cost to the individual physician. If you have any trouble logging in or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Log into your Divisions BC account and use the UpToDate portal button at the top of the web page to access UpToDate. Please be sure to use it on your desktop or your phone but login via your desktop at least once every 90 days to confirm your affiliation with Division so that your account stays active. Divisional Digest Monthly Division newsletter: Content: CME reminders, Updates, Division Services/Programs, Clinical information Format: A monthly, brief, e-newsletter with short summary information. Each content item has a “read more” button which will direct members to the full article on our Newsletter Archive Website: divisionarchive.com Pathways BC: Pathways is an online resource that provides physicians and their office staff quick access to current and accurate referral information, including wait times and areas of expertise for specialists and specialty clinics. Pathways also provides access to hundreds of patient and physician resources, a searchable community service directory and a medical care directory. For Pathways access please email: codfp@pathwaysbc.ca Link: https://pathwaysbc.ca/login Practicing in B.C Resources Practice in BC Toolkit The Practice in BC interactive guide outlines the key steps to be eligible to practice as a general practitioner (GP) in British Columbia, Canada. If you are an undergraduate student, medical student, a Canadian medical graduate, an international medical graduate, or a Canadian studying abroad Practice in BC is your guide. Practice in BC Toolkit Transition Into Practice Guide Entering professional practice is an exciting time. For family medicine residents and those who teach, June is a time of transition. BC Family Doctors has developed a guide for residents and new-to-practice physicians that provides practical information about making this transition, including an overview of financial, legal and administrative matters. Transition Into Practice Guide Contract Options: Alternatives to Fee-For-Service Model The BC Ministry of Health has introduced a number of new contract options for BC’s physicians. They provide more choices for established and new-to-practice family physicians who want to move away from Fee-for-Service (FFS) and practice in a different way. More information from the B.C. government regarding contract options can be found here . Contract Options Welcome BC: Newcomers Guide Moving to a new country can be hard. You might have a lot of questions. The B.C. Newcomers’ Guide will help you settle into B.C. quickly and easily. Welcome BC: Newcomers Guide NewToBC NewToBC is all about making connections. It is a library settlement initiative that connects newcomer immigrants and refugees with essential settlement information, public libraries, other service provider organizations, and, ultimately, BC communities. NewToBC Canadian Immigration and citizenship If you are new to Canada the Immigration and citizenship website from the Government of Canada will help you apply for citizenship, a permanent resident card, or work visa. Immigration and citizenship

News & Events Note: the newsletter archive and event pages are for CODFP members only. Newsletter Read recent articles from our Divisional Digest newsletter. Learn More Newsletter Archive Browse archived Divisional Digest newsletters. Log-in required. Learn More Event Calendar See upcoming CME and networking events. Log-in required. Learn More Event Resources Find slides and other resources from past CME and networking events. Log-in required. Learn More

Long-Term Care Initiative Improving care for residents and supporting physicians in long-term care homes across the Central Okanagan. About the Long-Term Care Initiative The Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC) long-term care initiative (LTCI) ↗ supports Divisions of Family Practice to design and implement local solutions that deliver dedicated Physician Most Responsible Practitioner (MRP) services for patients in long-term care homes. Given the interconnected nature of the health care system, improvements and efficiencies will be maximized by the local division working in close collaboration with Interior Health and participating long-term care homes. The LTCI in the Central Okanagan was launched in July 2015. For the purposes of this initiative, a Physician MRP is defined as one who promotes the three system level outcomes and who delivers care according to these five best practice expectations (BPEs): 24/7 availability and on-site attendance, when required Proactive visits to residents Meaningful medication reviews Completed documentation Attendance at case conferences System level outcomes: Reduced unnecessary or inappropriate hospital transfers Improved patient-provider experience Reduced cost/patient as a result of a higher quality of care The following sections are for members only: "Resources and Getting Involved" and "Map of Long-term Care Homes". You must log in to view them. Log In Questions? Contact Us! If you have further questions about the Long-Term Care Initiative, please email ltc@codivision.ca .

Job Opportunities Find family practice job opportunities in the Central Okanagan. Physician/Locum NP Jobs Browse permanent and locum family physician and nurse practitioner jobs. Learn More Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Jobs Browse MOA and Office Manager Jobs Learn More

Our Impact Since our inception as a nonprofit organization in 2010, the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice has had a profound impact on the healthcare landscape of the region. By fostering collaboration among primary care providers, advocating for improved healthcare policies, and promoting innovative models of care, the division has significantly enhanced the quality of primary care services in Central Okanagan. Programs Projects 355 Physician Members 47 Family Practice Clinics 12 Specialty Clinics Projects Find a Family Doctor The Central Okanagan Division's Find a Family Doctor program, which operated from 2018 to 2023 before transitioning to the provincial HealthConnect Registry centralized system, has made significant strides in connecting patients without a family doctor to physicians in the community. This report provides an overview of the program's accomplishments and its impact on improving access to primary healthcare services. Introduction: The Find a Family Doctor program was launched in 2018 with the primary goal of addressing the longstanding issue of patients in the Central Okanagan region lacking access to a family physician. The program was designed to bridge this gap by actively attaching patients to available family physicians in the community. It operated for five years before transitioning to a more advanced online system while still retaining traditional methods like mail and fax for those who needed them. Key Achievements: Initial Attachments (August 2018 - March 2021): During this period, the program successfully attached 10,881 patients to family physicians. The most significant progress was made from March 2020 to March 2021, with 5,592 patients successfully attached, demonstrating the program's growing efficiency, especially in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Transition to Online System (March 2021 - March 2022): The program took a significant step towards modernization by moving from a paper/mail/fax-based system to an online HIPAA-compliant form. Despite the challenges posed by this transition, the program managed to attach 3,772 out of 12,464 patients during this year. Recent Attachments (April 2022 - March 2023): From April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, the program continued to attach patients, successfully connecting 2,597 out of 14,071 patients to family physicians. During this period, 27 family physicians accepted new patients, and the program consistently attached up to 100 patients monthly. Challenges and Considerations: Despite the program's success, several challenges need to be addressed: Waitlist: Since July 2021, the program has had a waitlist of patients due to the limited number of physicians available to attach patients. This highlights the ongoing need for more healthcare providers in the region. Capacity Constraints: The program has attached as many patients as capacity allowed. Addressing this issue necessitates the recruitment and retention of additional family physicians to meet the growing demand. Accessibility: While the program has transitioned to an online system, it's essential to ensure that traditional methods like mail and fax remain available for community residents who may have limited access to technology. Conclusion: The Find a Family Doctor program in the Central Okanagan Division has made substantial progress in connecting patients with family physicians, significantly improving access to primary healthcare services in the region. The transition to an online system demonstrates a commitment to modernization and efficiency. However, the program still faces challenges related to physician availability and patient waitlists, underscoring the ongoing need for concerted efforts to recruit and retain healthcare providers. As the program transitions to the provincial HealthConnect Registry centralized system, it is hoped that it will continue to build on its successes and work towards ensuring that every resident in the region has access to essential primary healthcare services. A GP For Me - Evaluation Findings Within the time frame of A GP for Me (2013-2017), Central Okanagan physicians attached 15,380 patients. The A GP for Me project successfully implemented six strategies which resulted in 11,499 of these new attachments, while the remaining 4,331 of the new attachments were the result of the normal attachment rates of physicians in the community. Stakeholders identified the biggest impact of the project to be the development and implementation of the Mobile Assessment Unit, and subsequent attachment of over one thousand 65+ year old patients. In addition, the Division has recruited 20 new providers, some of whom will be attaching patients and providing longitudinal patient care for years to come. Key findings include: Enhanced Physician-Patient Relationships. A media campaign was developed and launched. The campaign was designed to educate the public regarding the importance of having a relationship with their GP and how to best prepare for appointments Physicians’ awareness of the campaign was moderate; between 10-15% of physicians attributed improved patient preparation and increased patient visits when appropriate to the effect of the campaign. Expanded Community Services/Health System Network. Following considerable effort to improve public access to local community health resources, the project prioritised the implementation of FETCH (For Everything That’s Community Health). Still in development, as supported by extension funding, is the live release and an event to introduce physicians, their office staff and community partners to the CODFP Fetch website. Targeted attachment efforts and develop a patient/GP matching registry & Establish a Mobile Assessment Unit (MAU). Targeted to older adults (65+); using a patient/GP matching registry and MAU mode. 54 physicians attached 1206 patients.. Patients were connected to community resources if required while waiting for attachment. Increased Physician and Locum Supply. 20 physicians were recruited to the Central Okanagan during A GP for Me. 17 new physicians began practicing and 3 new recruits are expected by October 2016. 8,900 new patients were attached or prevented from becoming unattached as a result of 11 of the 17 newly recruited physicians attaching patients for longitudinal care Over the course of the project, 10 physicians were provided with a “Red Carpet Welcome”. Built Office Capacity. The Division partnered with the Practice Support Program to support physicians. 11 education and engagement events were held for local physicians and MOAs. Peer Mentor MOA team formed to support offices throughout the community. The most significant changes resulting from the A GP for Me project included increased attachment, particularly of older adults within the community. In addition, the project has fostered an increased understanding and awareness of the challenges facing primary care, as well as improved relationships between physicians, the Division, and strategic partners. Factors that contributed to the success of the project included strong and engaged physician leadership at the steering committee and working group level as well as increased face-to-face engagement of the physicians’’ office staff. This engagement enabled the Division to reach many members, and include them in the core activities such as the physician registry and education events. The project was also supported by a collaborative approach to the work, notably the inclusion of the health authority and community partners. Lastly, the project benefited from a strong backbone of support from the Division staff team. Child & Youth Mental Health The CYMHSU Collaborative, funded by the Shared Care Committee with support from the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC, involves multiple organizations and ministries all working together to increase the number of children, youth, and their families receiving timely access to mental health services and support in the Interior Health region. More than 150 individuals including family doctors, psychiatrists, pediatricians, social workers, school counselors, substance use counselors, Aboriginal groups, advocates, parents, youth, RCMP officers, health administrators, and others are involved in the Collaborative. The Central Okanagan Children and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Collaborative includes Family Physicians, Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, Kelowna General Hospital, Canadian Mental Health Association, Social Workers, Ministry of Children and Families, ImpactBC, School District #23, Bridge Youth and Family Services, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, FORCE Society, Interior Health, Kelowna Community Resources, Central Okanagan Regional District, Westbank First Nations, The Core Kelowna, youth, parents and family members. Youth and parents – through FORCE – provide leadership to the Collaborative, and participate in all aspects from Steering Committee, Working Groups and Local Action Teams. The leadership and participation of youth and parents has been identified as the biggest gem of the Collaborative. Dermatology What is Teledermatology? Teledermatology is a Shared Care initiative that is using digital technology and aspects of the Internet to improve access to dermatological consults for family physicians in urban, remote, and isolated communities in BC through the ConsultDerm system. - All dermatology consults are tracked and answered. - No consult is lost or delayed. - Past consults are readily retrievable. - All health care providers in BC can access the system. - No specialized software is needed. - The system interface is easy to use. - The database is secure and confidential. Teledermatology in BC: - Currently used by more than 244 BC family physicians and 4 Dermatologists - More than 340 consults completed to date - There are 2 prototype sites in BC, including: 1) Salt Spring Island. 2) Central Okanagan, through a partnership with the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice. Diagnostic Imaging An example of our work in the community: The Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice has adopted the Triple Aim approach for all of our initiatives. The Triple Aim considers: patient outcomes, patient/provider experience and system sustainability. Below is an example of one of our initiatives. Improving patient access to ultrasound and CT imaging Our first initiative sponsored by the Shared Care Committee was a partnership between the CO Division, local radiologists and Interior Health. As a result of this partnership we improved access for patients requiring urgent access to ultrasound and CT imaging, improved the ability to triage patients and improved the management of the waitlist. Ultimately we improved patient care, decreased frustrations when accessing imaging and improved knowledge and awareness of system constraints so patients and physicians can appropriately choose diagnostic options. A story from a family doctor: "My patient, who had fallen and hit his head came into my office complaining of confusion, dizziness and overall just not feeling well. I decided to watch the symptoms for a day or two and when the patient returned still feeling not well, immediately requested a CT head scan and identified that it was needed within 48 hours. The scan was done in the requested time frame and immediately upon seeing the results; the radiologist referred the patient to ER. Surgery was done the next day as the CT scan had revealed a large bilateral hematoma. My patient’s outcomes were good and the new process supported me the way I needed it to." Nurse In Practice Several Kelowna-region family doctors are welcoming nurses to their practice teams, to expand access and support more patients with their health needs. Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick and Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson announced a new “nurse-in-practice” initiative in the region today. Six family doctors’ offices have expressed interest in bringing nurses into their practices – including licensed practical nurses and registered nurses – through new funding from the Province. Supported by the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice, the doctors are in the early stages of recruitment, with nurses expected to join their offices in the coming months. This initiative is part of a comprehensive primary and community care strategy in Kelowna which will improve access to care for Central Okanagan residents. In addition to nurses in primary care practices, it includes redesigning services to better support people with mental-health and substance-use concerns, a new Seniors Health and Wellness Centre, and targeted recruitment of family physicians. It is expected that at least 3,000 residents in the community who are currently without a family physician will be attached to a primary care provider through this multipronged strategy. The work in Kelowna is a collaborative effort among the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice, the Ministry of Health, Interior Health and the Doctors of BC to help connect more patients with primary care. The strategy builds on the division’s successful recruitment program, which has resulted in 11 family physicians moving to the area since 2015, and represents about 11,000 people newly attached to a family doctor. A further seven physicians are committed to starting practice this year in the area, with more having expressed interested in relocating to the Central Okanagan. A key part of getting connected to a primary care provider is having a process to match patients with providers accepting new patients as capacity becomes available. To support this, the Province will establish a dedicated contact number for Central Okanagan residents without a family doctor, which will be in place by June 2017. The nurse-in-practice initiative is part of the ministry’s work with physicians and health authorities to enhance primary and community care across the province. To bring nurses into their practice, doctors complete an assessment of their overall patient population to determine what services and skill sets are most needed in their practice, and which type of nurse would best complement their team. It is anticipated that as nurses are recruited and join practices, practices will have more capacity to care for patients with complex health needs and take on new patients. On April 3, 2017, Health Minister Terry Lake made a $90-million funding announcement to support the expansion of team-based primary care throughout the province over the next three years, which includes the nurse-in-practice initiative. Teams and networks of primary-care providers are at the centre of the new model, with strong connections to new specialized community care services provided by health authorities. Targeted investments to support the implementation of the ministry’s strategic priorities are made possible with a $4.2 billion budget lift in the ministry’s budget over the next three years. Quotes: Premier Christy Clark – “The way we deliver health care is changing. Having nurses work alongside family physicians means more day-to-day help for doctors – and better care for their patients.” Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country – “Through the nurse-in-practice initiative, family doctors will be able to draw on the expertise of the more than 55,000 nurses in B.C. to create a well-rounded team of health-care providers who are best positioned to treat a range of health-care needs. I am eager to see how the initiative takes shape in Kelowna and beyond.” Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission – “Nurses play a key role in our health-care team. I look forward to welcoming nurses into doctors’ offices throughout the community, and I know that Kelowna residents will benefit from this new partnership.” Dr. Janet Evans, Kelowna family physician – "I'm excited to take part in this opportunity to add a nurse to the clinic. This represents a future model of primary care that will help me provide an innovative approach for my patients.” Glenn McRae, chief nursing officer, Interior Health – “We are pleased to support the nurse-in-practice initiative. It’s a creative endeavour and a great example of how we can work together to improve the quality of primary health-care services in our communities.” Dr. Alan Ruddiman, president, Doctors of BC – “Doctors of BC is committed to making a positive difference to provide greater access to care for patients. We are pleased to partner with government on the nurse-in-practice initiative, which is just one example of how doctors around the province are supporting team-based care.” Seniors Health and Wellness Centre A Seniors Health and Wellness Centre that has opened in the Central Okanagan is benefiting those with frailty and age-related medical conditions through a multi-disciplinary approach and access to specialist services. “With a growing, ageing population, services need to keep up with increased demand,” said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. “Because we’ve stuck to our plan, we’re able to afford record investments in health and seniors care, like the new Seniors Health and Wellness Centre in Kelowna.” “The new Seniors Health and Wellness Centre further strengthens seniors care by drawing on experts and team members from a number of different disciplines to care for clients. Working together, these teams promote an individual’s independence by stabilizing their age-related symptoms and connecting them with appropriate services and supports in the community,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson. A partnership between Interior Health and the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice, the centre is located in Kelowna within the Cottonwoods Care Centre. Referrals may be made through family doctors or nurse practitioners. “More than 22 per cent of residents within Interior Health are over 65 years, and that number is on the rise,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick. “Enhanced community care and improved access to specialized services will help ensure seniors with complex care needs continue to receive the care they require now and in the coming years.” Services include a multidisciplinary assessment, short-term therapeutic interventions and access to a geriatrician and family doctors with a special interest in geriatrics. The collaborative team, including nursing, pharmacy and allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, dietitians, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and social workers) provides targeted assessment and planning services. In addition to health assessment and treatments, the centre will provide education and connections to other community services to help seniors access programs promoting health and wellness, helping them live independently for as long as possible. “The level of support offered through the new model will help seniors age in place while reducing emergency department visits, preventing hospital admissions, and avoiding premature placement in long term care facilities,” said Interior Health Board Chair John O’Fee. The centre was made possible by the work of a team of partners who came together in the Central Okanagan to identify health gaps, priority areas, and possible solutions. Called the Local Action Team, this group included representation from the Ministry of Health; Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice; Interior Health; Patient Voices Network; United Way; and Baptist Housing. Seniors care measured high on the list of priorities, and specialized services and increased collaboration were identified as important areas to focus on. “The Ministry of Health asked the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice and Interior Health to work together toward excellence in seniors' care in our communities,” said Dr. Gayle Klammer, Central Okanagan Division member and co-chair of the Local Action Team and Implementation Team. “The Seniors Health and Wellness Centre is the first step, offering comprehensive assessment and short-term follow-up by a team including physicians and allied health professionals." “We strive to create seamless care with community seniors' services,” added Dr. Michele Thomasse, a member of the Local Action Team and the Central Okanagan Division. “The centre’s multidisciplinary approach enables us to leverage the expertise of the geriatricians and family physicians working together at the centre to increase capacity and improve patient outcomes. “This centre allows us to provide seniors with the best possible assessments and care in a team environment," said Central Okanagan Division member Dr. Cara Wall, one of the doctors working within the centre. “This is an excellent opportunity to develop additional knowledge and skills within the family physician community while working closely with the geriatrician and other team members,” explained Dr. Sohayl Ghadirian, a Central Okanagan Division board member who also sees patients in the centre. The Seniors Health and Wellness Centre model will also be introduced in Kamloops this spring as part of the Northills Centre Interior Health Primary and Community Care Services. The new specialized services provided by Interior Health support the Ministry of Health’s strategic direction, which focuses on a more integrated system of primary and community care that better meets the needs of patients, including seniors with frailty and complex medical conditions. Cedar Sage Health and Wellness Patients experiencing a mental health challenge will be able to see a team of specially trained clinicians at Interior Health’s (IH) newly opened Cedar Sage Health and Wellness clinic in downtown Kelowna. “People living with mental health and substance use challenges need access to a support network in their own community,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy. “With this new clinic in place, people in the Kelowna region will be able to connect with holistic mental health and substance use supports that will help them along their road to recovery and healing.” This unique service, located in the IH Community Health & Services Centre (CHSC), is the result of a collaborative effort between IH, the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice and local Aboriginal partners to fill a need for health care services combined with mental health supports under one roof. “This new clinic is an excellent example of team-based care that places patients at the centre of the health services provided,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “At Cedar Sage, this approach means a patient facing mental health and substance use challenges can receive support from a variety of health-care providers and the team has strong collaboration to make sure their work best to meets the individual needs of the patients.” At the clinic, an interdisciplinary team of mental health and substance use (MHSU) clinicians and physicians provide trauma-informed short-term, team-based care to higher functioning individuals experiencing a mental health illness. “The clinic is designed for people living with mental health conditions or substance use who are facing new challenges and are struggling to cope,” said IH Board Chair Dr. Doug Cochrane. “The clinic’s goal is to support the client so that she/he can effectively address the challenge before it impairs their health.” The clinic was named Cedar Sage after consultation with Aboriginal communities. Both cedar and sage are commonly used in smudging ceremonies and promote protection, clarification, blessings and healing. They are also used in Aboriginal medicine and other healing practices. IH Aboriginal Health Corporate Director Brad Anderson said engaging Aboriginal voices in the development of the services and the design of the clinic space demonstrates IH’s ongoing commitment to reducing barriers for Aboriginal patients. “Our Aboriginal partners were also involved in finding the right name for the clinic in an effort to encourage and help Aboriginal patients feel comfortable when accessing health services.” At this time, the clinic is available to individuals who have a family physician with referrals being made by family physicians and nurse practitioners. As the clinic becomes fully operational, it will provide care for individuals without a family physician. At that time, patients will be able to refer themselves or be referred by their family or other community services. “The development of the Cedar Sage Clinic shows what great accomplishments we can achieve with collaboration between stakeholders,” said Divisions of Family Practice Lead Dr. Michael Koss. “This clinic offers unique services that will greatly benefit the residents of the Central Okanagan.” Cedar Sage will serve approximately 30 patients a day with assessment and care provided by a team that includes physicians, counsellors, social work, nursing and medical office assistants. The clinic is located on the second floor of the CHSC and is currently open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with plans to extend hours into the evening and weekends. https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/cedar-sage-health-wellness-centre Gastrinal-Intestinal (GI) The Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice (COD) engaged in dialogue with its members, local gastroenterologists and IH Ambulatory Care Managers at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and identified an opportunity to improve the referral and wait-time management process for endoscopic procedures. Further discussion with the Kelowna Gastroenterology (GI) department determined a pressing need to address communication between family practice offices and GI services. The scope of this project was limited to gastroenterologists, family practice and the KGH Ambulatory Care GI lab. This work coincided with KGH Ambulatory Care GI wait-time work already in progress. A collaborative GI Steering Committee was formed. The COD, family physicians, GI specialists, and KGH Ambulatory Care worked together in order to improve the health system process of referral and waitlist management for endoscopic procedures. Work on this project commenced with the goal of providing timely access to GI care. Three key issues were addressed: unknown wait times for GI services unknown wait times for diagnostic endoscopy at KGH incomplete referrals received by GI offices The intended outcome was to address the existing backlog, streamline the referral process, and to improve communication between Family Physicians and Gastroenterologists. The ultimate goal was to reduce patient wait times for GI appointments and procedures. The steering committee identified that incomplete / inappropriate referrals were impeding the ability of the GI Clinic to accurately triage incoming referrals. Gastroenterologists, family doctors and the Manager of Ambulatory Care co-developed a referral form based on best evidence to align referrals to gastroenterology with supporting diagnostics and/or information that enables gastroenterologists to assess urgency level. Gastroenterologists and KGH Ambulatory Care Management reviewed national and provincial documents to identify benchmark targets for GI conditions. A new booking form was developed by KGH Administration which utilizes BC Surgical Patient Registry codes and their associated wait time targets. The new GI Referral Form was piloted by 41 Family Physicians as part of field test held April/May 2013. A Feedback Form was developed for use by Gastroenterologists to assess whether there was sufficient information to accurately triage patients within the guidelines. The field test compared referrals from Family Physicians who used the new Referral Form and those who did not. GI Associates Office Manager coordinated collection of information from 3 Gastroenterologists involved in the field test. A total of 110 referrals were reviewed; 52 referrals used the new GI Referral Form and 58 referrals were sent in the typical manner of a referral letter/fax. The results of the field test were entered into excel and analyzed. An online survey was developed, pretested and disseminated to the 41 Family Physicians who agreed to trial the Form. 11 Family Physicians completed the survey (27% response rate). Key Informant interviews were conducted with 3 Family Physicians, 2 Gastroenterologists, the Office Manager of GI Associates and the Ambulatory Care Manager. Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) is a prototype program designed to increase family physician access to specialist consultation and to improve communication and knowledge transfer between different care providers. Physicians are able to reach out to designated specialists by phone for brief telephone consultations with the expectation of contacting a specialist within a two hour window. The program currently exists in Providence Health Care and Northern Interior Health, with a number of disciplines already participating. Chronic pain specialists participating in RACE also providing consults to physicians within the Fraser Health Authority. This project will aim to bring together a number of stakeholder groups to develop a RACE program for the Central Okanagan area. The program will start by engaging with all specialties including but not limited to: Obstetricians, Radiologists, Endocrinologists, Physiatrists, and Orthopedic Surgeons. Once we have established a base of specialties we will quickly move to a second phase which the goal of engaging regional partners in other areas of IH. Our intent is to align outcomes to better support doctors throughout Interior Health. Orthopedics and Phystiatry – Project Overview Ortho-reconstruction procedures account for 2 of the top 10 reasons for admission to Kelowna General Hospital. With the disproportionate number of seniors in the Central Okanagan, it is anticipated that demand on Orthopedic Surgeons and related specialties will continue to increase. Initial engagement with Physiatrists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Allied Health professionals indicates a desire to concentrate on improved quality of care of the elderly, pre and post-surgery. In focus would be fall prevention, pre and post-operative care, musculoskeletal considerations (MSK) and related comorbidities. Where appropriate the project will seek to leverage the MSK Practice Support Program Module. Some of the current gaps or issues include: Significant wait times for ortho-reconstruction consultation and procedures An identified desire to increase patient knowledge around more effectively managing musculoskeletal considerations while awaiting ortho-reconstruction procedures Fall prevention awareness both in the community. Overlaps with ongoing polypharmacy and geriatric mental health work exist. The purpose of this initiative is to: Conduct a current state assessment to identify areas of practice which work collaboratively to provide care for ortho-reconstruction patients Identify processes to provide better patient care (including pain management) for patients awaiting ortho-reconstruction procedures Identify and support linkages to the third initiative (Health Promotions) which aims to help patients lead healthier lifestyles, with the long term goal of reducing or delaying the number of ortho-reconstruction procedures required in the Central Okanagan For further information regarding either of these two projects, please contact Tracy Head at 250-826-5857 PIC – Orthopedics and Psychiatry Ortho-reconstruction procedures account for 2 of the top 10 reasons for admission to Kelowna General Hospital. With the disproportionate number of seniors in the Central Okanagan, it is anticipated that demand on Orthopedic Surgeons and related specialties will continue to increase. Initial engagement with Physiatrists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Allied Health professionals indicates a desire to concentrate on improved quality of care of the elderly, pre and post-surgery. In focus will be fall prevention, pre and post-operative care, musculoskeletal considerations (MSK) and related comorbidities. Where appropriate the project will seek to leverage the MSK Practice Support Program Module. PIC - Health Promotion Since October 2012 the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice has been working on a Health Promotions Project. This project was undertaken to address the incidence of chronic disease and other illnesses related to lifestyle. The focus of the project has been working with specialists and family physicians to develop a coalition including community partners. This work has been completed with the aim of improving the health and well-being of our community through education around healthy lifestyle choices. Aspects of this include considering our access to food and activity, with the goal that the "Central Okanagan is the healthiest community in Canada". New Shared Care resources will enable Health Promotions work to continue with a specific focus on: healthy lifestyles for seniors, which aligns with our proposed Orthopedics and Physiatry project and our GP for Me Project chronic disease, which also aligns with the GP for Me Initiative. development of a Physician Toolkit: a set of tools for doctors to use in their offices in real time using evidence based patient self-management principles such as the 5As. establish community links for redirection to specific local materials or services PIC - RACE Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) is a prototype program designed to increase family physician access to specialist consultation and to improve communication and knowledge transfer between different care providers. This project will aim to bring together a number of stakeholder groups to develop a RACE program for the Central Okanagan area. The program will start by engaging with all specialties including but not limited to: Obstetricians, Radiologists, Endocrinologists, Physiatrists, and Orthopedic Surgeons. Once we have established a base of specialties we will quickly move to a second phase which the goal of engaging regional partners in other areas of IH. Our intent is to work closely with the Interdivisional Strategic Council and expand as capacity permits. Kootenay Boundary has already received funding for a similar RACE project. Our intent is to align outcomes to better support doctors throughout Interior Health. Mental Health Improving access to one time psychiatric assessments for patients followed by family doctors. Obstetrics Providing support for family doctors who deliver babies including: coverage, working with specialist colleagues, patients who do not have a family doctor and retaining family doctors for this necessary community resource.