HSWRU CURRENT RESEARCH

HSWRU Home

Title:  Evaluation of Primary Care Networks (Calgary Rural, South Calgary, Calgary Foothills and Calgary West Central PCNs)

 

Principal Investigators:  Nelly D. Oelke, HSWRU Calgary Health Region

 

Funding Source: Funded by Primary Care Networks and the Calgary Health Region

 

Presentations/Publications/Updates: None at this time

 

Objectives:

 

1)       To understand how PCNs facilitate the delivery of primary care services for a specific geographic population?

2)       What impact do PCNs have on patient/population, provider and system outcomes?

 

Background:

 

Primary care renewal is a major focus of health reform in Canada and is key to the sustainability of the Canadian health care system. In 2003 a trilateral agreement was signed in Alberta between Alberta Health and Wellness, Alberta Medical Association and Regional Health Authorities. This agreement was the beginning step in forming Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across the province. PCNs are a formal relationship between a virtual group of primary care physicians and a regional health authority to plan and deliver primary care services for a geographic population. This evaluation study consists of evaluation of the four currently operating PCNs in the Calgary region. Evaluation activities focus on provincial objectives and local primary care programs (e.g., access to primary care services, linkages with secondary and tertiary care, retention and recruitment of providers). Findings will be of interest to a broad audience including providers, managers, policy-makers, government, regulators, educators and the public.

 

Methods:

 

Evaluation frameworks were developed for each of the PCNs based on the provincial evaluation framework and business plans for each of the PCNs. Mixed methods are being utilized to assess PCN as a service delivery model and its impact on outcomes at various levels.

 

Project Team and Partners: 

 

Project Lead: Nelly Oelke, HSWRU;

Co-Leads:

Joe MacGillvray, Executive Director, Calgary Rural PCN

Marny Conlon, Executive Director, South Calgary PCN

Larry McLennan, Executive Director, Calgary Foothills PCN

Doreen Nasr, Executive Director, Calgary West Central PCN

 

Project Team Members:

Kimberley Petersen, HSWRU

Emma Stephens, HSWRU

 

Research Partners:

South Calgary Primary Care Network

Calgary Rural Primary Care Network

Calgary West Central Primary Care Network

Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network

Calgary Health Region

 

 

Time Frame: April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2008

 

Contact Information:

Nelly Oelke

Office: (403) 943-1177

Fax: (403) 943-0199

nelly.oelke@albertahealthservices.ca