The implementation of a collaborative model of care (CMoC) has increased patient care hours throughout our Island health care system, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Collaborative care focuses on the patient and ensures our health care professionals work together to provide the best health care outcomes for those patients,” said the minister. “This model optimizes our available resources and ensures our health professionals make the best use of their skills and education to meet the needs of our patients more effectively.”
Since implementation, CMoC has resulted in an increase of approximately 119,200 patient care hours (more than 60 full-time equivalent front-line staff.)
The province has continued to expand health care staffing across the province with an increase of 124 nursing positions, 82 LPN positions and 236 RCW positions since 2007.
The collaborative model of care is a province-wide initiative that refers to the way health care services are delivered and organized. It includes teams of providers working collaboratively to their full scope of practice using all their education, training and experience to ensure patient/resident/client needs are coordinated, consistent and timely.
In 2010, work to implement CMoC across the province began in five program areas: QEH Unit 3; PCH Surgical Restorative Unit; Wedgewood Manor; Home Care Summerside; and KCMH. Since that time, CMoC has been implemented in long term care, home care, community hospitals, and all primary care networks.
“Our Collaborative Model of Care ensures the right mix of staff is in place, and allocates them where they are needed most,” said Rick Adams, Executive Director, People, Performance, and Innovation for Health PEI. “This is not about saving money or cutting positions. It is about optimizing resources and improving patient care. We have been working with the PEI nurses union over the last number of years and will continue that work, to ensure that the mix of staff will help better meet patient’s needs.”
“The Province of Prince Edward Island values the experience and level of service provided by all our health care professionals and thanks them for their services to the public,” said Minister Currie. “Our government will continue to protect the great progress we have achieved together and we are committed to ensuring patient-centred care throughout our health care system.”