HEALTH NETWORKS BRING TEAM-BASED CARE CLOSER TO HOME
By Maria Ryhorski and Emmanuelle Morin
The call for a redesigned health system has grown loud over the last several years. Patients voice concerns with a system that is often fragmented, difficult to navigate and ultimately not meeting their needs. The demands of practising in this environment feel unsustainable to many physicians, and the number of physicians who report being at risk of burnout is high. Efforts are underway to address some of these system issues through a focus on team-based care. Health Networks are collaborative teams of health professionals, including physicians and community partners, who work in concert to provide fully integrated care to the individuals in a particular geographic area. They are envisioned to play a key role in improving access and quality of community based care, and strengthening health-care teams. The services offered within each network will be informed by data to ensure that they are reflective of local needs. For example, a Health Network that serves an inner-city neighbourhood with high mental health and addictions issues would have more social workers and addictions counsellors within it compared to a suburban network where the primary need might be public health and well-baby checks.
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SMA DIGEST | FALL 2019
“Our goal with Health Networks is to ensure our patients receive coordinated and appropriate care as close to home as possible through team-based interdisciplinary care,” says Dr. Kevin Wasko, physician executive for integrated rural health with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and executive sponsor for Health Network development. “When patients receive care that is more integrated and less fragmented, physicians will also benefit. “Currently we see emergency departments overwhelmed with patients, many of whom would be more appropriately cared for elsewhere but they often don’t know where else to go,” said Wasko. “I know that navigating the system is just as overwhelming for us as family physicians. A team-based approach with strong interdisciplinary relationships will make care more accessible, coordinated, timely and centred around patient needs. Everyone will benefit.”
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ealth Networks have been operating in parts of Regina for a number of years. Alison Hamilton, who lives with cystic fibrosis, recently experienced receiving care through a Health Network. She noticed a marked change for the better and was happy to share her story with SMA members. Alison Hamilton is from Regina and lives with cystic fibrosis. Niki Afseth is an adult cystic fibrosis nurse clinician who provides care to Hamilton and others living with cystic fibrosis. Karen Zemlak is a network access services assessor coordinator with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
