Project Details
About the Project
The Queen Alexandra Neuromuscular Clinic treats complex pediatric patients with neuromotor conditions, drawing on the skills and expertise of a team that includes an orthopedic surgeon, physiatrist, orthotist, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. Patients enter the clinic through a variety of pathways, and can see a range of providers depending on their needs. Dr. Alex Jackman, a Developmental Pediatrician who was new to town, wanted to explore how her role could integrate into the clinic without duplicating services or creating unnecessary confusion. It was an opportune time to re-visit the clinic’s mandate and clarify the role of individual team members to help the group function more cohesively and consistently.
Through a number of 1-on-1 meetings and a zoom-facilitated dinner with stakeholders, the group identified several key challenges in the current care of patients, including routes to get a patient referred to the clinic, variation in access to resources across the island, and the need for further collaboration with community pediatricians to ensure the clinic’s services are well understood.
The group appreciated the opportunity to gather together, discuss common issues, and build relationships with each other outside of the care environment. One unexpected outcome was recognizing that patients with cerebral palsy get referred to the clinic from different referral sources, and at varying ages. The group wondered if streamlining the process would help with earlier diagnosis and therapies, and have reached out to BC Children’s Hospital to learn more about their early CP diagnosis process.
In the end, Dr. Jackman did not end up joining the clinic, after recognizing that doing so would create an unnecessarily duplication of services. She remains, however, well-connected to colleagues and appreciated the opportunity to do this review. “It’s wonderful to have had the opportunity to do this project, and such an excellent way to build relationships”, said Dr. Jackman.