VMDAS/VPSA board and staff meet regularly with VCH senior leaders to develop a collaborative relationship between medical staff and the health authority. The November meeting included discussions on several topics including a proposal for a CPAS patient initiative and a presentation of survey results about the desire for a UBC Hospital Hub for Engagement and Wellness, among other items. Doctors of BC Engagement Partner Russell Stead also requested time at upcoming meetings for the Doctors of BC Facility Engagement annual review.
Complex Pain and Addiction Services patient initiative
Two members of VPSA’s recently formed Substance Use Disorder Patient and Provider Experience Task Group presented the case for supporting the provision of television services for CPAS patients. Drs. Jan Hajek and Dianne Fredrikson explained that these patients often have socio-financial difficulties and cannot afford the TV rental fees.
Approximately 30 per cent of patients with substance use disorder admitted to hospital in Vancouver are discharged because they leave against medical advice. This is associated with an increased risk of mortality as well as high and preventable costs associated with readmission. There are multiple reasons why patients leave hospital against medical advice, including feeling bored and fed up. Television can play a small but important role in providing comfort and distraction for patients in hospital. However, as Drs. Hajek and Fredrikson pointed out, at $14.40 per day, and requiring a credit card, it is priced high and inaccessible for many, especially vulnerable patients with substance use disorder living in poverty or dependent on government income assistance.
The task group requested a monthly budget sufficient to provide TV access for up to 20 people in hospital per day.
VA VP Michelle de Moor welcomed the concept but noted that VCH is moving away from providing TV as a form of entertainment. The contract with the provider has ended and other options (e.g., tablets) are being considered. The timeline for this is uncertain. VP de Moor committed to looking into this further.
Members’ desired amenities at a UBC Hospital Hub for Engagement and Wellness
VPSA conducted a six-week survey of physicians who practice at UBCH regarding the possibility of creating a space for members like the VMDAS HEW at VGH. Most respondents noted that they would use such a space primarily for dining and meal preparation as well as for socializing. The most-mentioned amenity requested was a coffee machine, followed by comfortable seating, quiet or private spaces, computers, and a fridge and microwave oven. Other amenities mentioned included a kettle, sink, snacks, sound management features, cubicles/workstations, art, plants, and a bed.
A couple of potential spaces have been identified; some renovations may be needed for adding such things as plumbing. VP de Moor suggested VPSA continue to work with Tracey Taulu at UBC Hospital about this possibility.
In memoriam messages
Following the recent death of an Emergency Department colleague, VPSA President Dr. Ka Wai Cheung inquired if VCH is informed when physicians pass and if there is a protocol for announcing these. VPSA wishes to acknowledge these situations in a thoughtful manner that respects the wishes of family members. This is particularly true when family members wish to share details on any memorial services.
VA Senior Medical Director Dr. Vinay Dhingra informed the group that department and division heads provide this information for active medical staff and that announcements are tailored according to the individual and depend on a family’s wishes. It is more difficult to keep track of honorary staff, and deaths are generally only known when annual reappointments take place.
VC Senior Medical Director Dr. Mike Norbury noted that such messages are usually shared at a team level in Vancouver Community. With the large number of medical staff there, it is difficult to manage this in any other way.
Going forward, the VA senior medical directors will ask department heads if it would be appropriate to pass on information about the death of physicians for VPSA to communicate to other members.
VCH violence prevention update
Dr. Cheung reached out to VCH’s violence prevention team, which has put together a memo regarding the various resources that are available to medical staff. These include training—both standard and customized.
The team is keen to recruit medical staff for its VA high risk units violence prevention working group and its PHC and VCH workplace violence acute committee. VPSA can provide sessional funding for members who participate on these groups. If this interests you, please contact VPSA Operations Director Andrew Pinfold.
Substance use disorder patient resources for medical staff
The opioid crisis continues to significantly impact our community of care. Dr. Cheung informed meeting attendees that VPSA recently reached out to VCH’s Medical Director, Regional Addiction Program, Dr. Rupi Brar who has provided a list of on-demand addictions support and educational modules.
This information is being shared with VMAC, HAMAC as well as with our members.
Next meeting
The group next meets on December 12. If you have an item you wish to be brought forward at these meetings, please contact VPSA Operations Director Andrew Pinfold.