Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
08:13
Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion
Published on: January 20, 2019
6.8K
A "Shock Test" to Primary Care Integration: COVID-19 Lessons from Alberta
Myles Leslie1, Raad Fadaak2, Nicole Pinto2
1Director of Research, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary; Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.
Healthcare Policy = Politiques De Sante
|December 13, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic tested primary care (PC) integration in Alberta. Key shifts involved virtual care billing and PPE distribution, offering lessons for future health system resilience.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Primary Care Management
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic served as a critical stress test for primary care (PC) systems.
- Existing policies for integrating PC into provincial health systems faced unprecedented challenges.
- Alberta's pre-pandemic PC integration model required examination under pandemic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine shifts in Alberta's primary care integration model during the initial nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To analyze changes in PC finance, health authority activity, and community activity.
- To identify policy planning lessons for enhancing PC integration.
Main Methods:
- Documentary analysis of relevant policies and reports.
- Qualitative interviews with primary care and health system stakeholders.
- Focus on changes in virtual care billing codes and personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution.
Main Results:
- Significant shifts occurred in primary care finance and operations, evidenced by new virtual care billing codes.
- Changes in personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution channels highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Health authority and community activities adapted to meet pandemic demands.
Conclusions:
- Facilitating rapid updates to virtual care billing codes is crucial for primary care adaptability.
- Analyzing the impact of care delivery models is essential for system resilience.
- Backstopping PPE markets and supply chains for primary care is vital for future preparedness.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
1.7K
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
1.7K
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
1.6K
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
1.6K
01:20Integrated Healthcare System
1.9K
An integrated healthcare system (IHS) is a set of organizations that provides for or arranges to provide coordinated and continuous service to a defined population. The IHS takes responsibility for that particular population's health status and outcome, both clinically and fiscally. An integrated healthcare system is a well-organized, well-coordinated, and collaborative network. The integrated delivery system is a network that connects different healthcare providers to deliver organized,...
1.9K
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
50
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
50
01:21Tertiary Healthcare System
1.9K
Specialized care provided over an extended period is called tertiary care. Usually, a primary or secondary care physician will refer a patient to tertiary care. A patient's maximum physical and mental function is restored in tertiary care, which is caused due to the impact of a chronic illness or condition. Tertiary care aims to achieve the highest level of functioning possible while managing chronic illness. For example, a patient who falls and fractures their hip will need secondary care...
1.9K
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
63
Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
63