Comprehensive health care and an innovative teaching resource will soon be available at the University of British Columbia when the UBC Health Clinic officially opens March 6 in the new David Strangway Bldg. at the corner of Wesbrook Mall and University Blvd.
“We’re excited to launch one of the first models of interprofessional health care and education in the province,” says Dr. Christie Newton, a UBC assistant professor of Family Practice and clinic director. “Family practice residents, nurse practitioner trainees, and midwifery students are among those who will gain experience in collaborating with other health-care professionals to provide the best possible care to our patients. From the patient’s perspective, ‘members of my health-care team’ will always be available.”
Interprofessional health care has been shown to improve patient outcomes in many areas of patient care including geriatric care, chronic disease management (diabetes, depression, heart failure), addiction medicines sexually transmitted disease screening and management including HIV / AIDS and family violence. Such a collaborative or team approach to these complex problems helps to ensure that all aspects of patient care are understood and attended to, adds Dr. Newton.
Opening celebrations include daily tours, “Meet the Health-care Team” and patient education sessions from 12:30-1:30 p.m. March 6-10, with an evening session on March 8 from 6-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
The new clinic occupies 575 sq. metres on the 3rd floor of the new building. Fifteen practicing faculty members and 46 trainee health-care providers including family practice residents, nurse practitioners and midwives with consultation available from pharmacists, behavioural medicine practitioners, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will offer full service patient care.
Under the supervision of UBC faculty members, UBC health and human service learners, including family practice residents, will provide a range of care that includes general individual and family health and wellness care, as well as specialized pediatric, obstetric and geriatric care, addiction medicine, nutritional counseling, hospital care and home visits.
“This model provides an opportunity to explore different ways of both interprofessional teaching and research, while being completely focused on service to patients,” says Dr. Robert Woollard, head of UBC’s Dept. of Family Practice. “It also honours the enduring relationship between caregiver and patient that lies at the core of family practice.”
Patients will get personal attention in appointments that last 20-40 minutes to allow for training time. Because the clinic is based at UBC, university health research can be quickly translated into new diagnostics and treatment for patients. In addition, patient feedback, through advisory boards and focus groups, will be incorporated into students’ learning and patient care.
New patients are welcome. For more information, contact 604.822.5431 or visit www.familymed.ubc.ca. The new clinic is located at Suite 300, 5950 University Blvd. and replaces the former facility in the Mather Bldg. on Fairview Ave.
-30-
