Framework for Model of Quality Primary Care

[Kathy Smith]

I am beginning to serve on an Ontario Steering Committee working to set up a new Model of Quality Primary Care. If you have any working models of excellence you would like to share, or any good ideas as to what and how primary care should function; who the primary care team should include; what their scope of practice should be; and where the care should take place (virtual visits, in-home visits, or in traditional clinics) I would be most grateful and happy to credit you and share your input with this group. Thanks in advance.

[Toby Stewart]

Hi Kathy;

For the GOLD STANDARD in primary care, I'd like to recommend Community Health Clinics (CHCs) -- at least ours here in Portland -- Country Roads https://www.crchc.on.ca/ where we have been members since moving nearby (15km) a few years ago.

Especially for rural/remote residents, especially those lacking public transportation, this CHC model has served this rural area extremely well for over 30 years. It uses a team approach with MD, NP, RN, and other related professionals -- so that presenting patients can be served by the most relevant level of professional qualifications. We also have other professionals -- eg. Nutritionist, Pharmacist, Social Worker, Foot Care, and similar professionals -- who compliment the primary care teams to provide "all around" social and medical support as required by individual patients and families. They also do excellent follow-up for patients after their hospital-based acute care discharges.

The non-profit CHC is governed by a community volunteer board... and in our case, our very capable CEO Mr. Marty Crapper and his senior staff collaborate with them to ensure timely, relevant and optimal primary patient-centred care policies and programs.

I'm sure Mr. Crapper would welcome any more detailed questions from you as you work with your Ontario Steering Committee colleagues. His contact coordinates are: mcrapper@crchc.on.ca and 1-613-272-3443 ext. 242 -- other contact information and links are on our CRCHC website.

Good Luck with making primary care better for all of us!

Toby Stewart -- Newboro ON

[Kathy Smith]

Thanks Toby. This CHC model sounds like a terrific quality primary care program that serves both providers and patients well. I’ll contact Mr. Crapper for sure. And I will mention this to the SC at our first meeting on September 13th.