Community Impact
REPORT
2015 – 2016
Red Deer Primary Care Network
Impact on the Health of Our Community
A High Return, Low Risk Investment
1
RDPCN By the Numbers
2
Impacting Mental Health
26
Empowering People to Face
Life’s Challenges
27
Influencing the Health Care System
One Person at a Time
3
Managing Anxiety
28
2015 – 16 Leadership
4
Happier People
30
Strengthening Relationships
33
6
Journeying Through Grief
34
6 of Our 19 Medical Homes
8
Reconnecting People
34
RDPCN Values Our Community
10
Improved Access to Psychiatry
35
Impacting Lifestyle
11
Supporting Youth
36
Health Cafés
11
Health Basics: Lifestyle Group
12
Preventing Falls
14
Strong and Steady
15
Improving Sleep
16
Partnering with the RCMP to
Help People in Time of Crisis
Tobacco Free Program
17
Primary Care for Vulnerable People 40
Google Won’t Help you Find
Directions to a Medical Home!
Tools for Setting Lifestyle Goals
18
A Healthier Community
20
A Healthy Workplace
24
Impacting Vulnerable People
Helping Connect the Refugees
to a Family Doctor
Impacting People with Chronic
Disease and Complex Conditions
38
38
38
42
Managing Diabetes and
High Blood Pressure
42
Testing Memory
45
Navigating the System
45
Assisting with Medication Concerns 46
Living Well with Chronic Pain
48
Hospice Rounds
49
Impacting Pregnancy and Babies
Pregnancy and Babies Program
Communicating with Our Patients
50
50
51
Learning About Our Programs
51
Our Patients’ Experiences
52
What Our Patients Told Us
53
What the Doctors Told Us About
Their Patients’ Experiences
53
Attaching to a Family Doctor
54
Evaluation Tools Used
55
Connecting with the RDPCN
56
Billboards in This Past Year
57
MARCH 31,
2016
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COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
1
RDPCN By the Numbers
RDPCN:
f Turned 10 years old February 1, 2016.
f Is the 8th largest PCN in Alberta. There are 42 PCNs
in Alberta ranging in size from 4,000 patients to
over 370,000 patients.
f Cares for nearly 128,000 patients.
f Has an aging population. The population has a median
age of 36 years. Half the people are older and half are
younger than 36. This is an increase from 29 reported
in 2014 as notable population growth occurred in
the 25 – 39 and 55 – 69 age ranges.
f 11 in 100 people were 65 and over in 2011. This
compares to Canada where 14 in 100 were over 65.
f By 2040 one in four will be 65 and over. This means we
need to prepare for the increased number of seniors who
use the healthcare system more than younger people.
2
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
f Balances its $7.75 million yearly budget.
f Receives $62 per patient paneled to the RDPCN.
f The budget is carefully allocated to the RDPCN
programs by its Board of Directors, then approved by its
Governance Committee and finally by Alberta Health.
f Has 87 family doctors.
f Located in 19 clinics: 17 in Red Deer, 1 in Blackfalds
and 1 in Sylvan Lake.
f Has 46 staff.
f Including 31 professional health care providers, and
15 support staff and management.
f Has 9 group programs.
f Has 12 individual programs.
Influencing the Health Care System
One Person at a Time
Guess who influences your health the most? You! It’s those choices you make every day.
But we all get into patterns and can have a tough time changing habits we’ve carefully, or
not so carefully, established over a lifetime. New Year’s resolutions are typically broken by
January 13. What about the other 352 days? Is willpower enough? Probably not. You go in
to visit your doctor and he/she recommends losing weight, increasing exercise or another
lifestyle change. They might refer you to a RDPCN program, or you can also ask them for
a referral.
The RDPCN:
f Is in the business of health, not illness. This illustration is our visual identity
that signifies a vital, healthy community. It encourages people to be active
using community assets such as the beautiful Red Deer pathways.
f Acts as a catalyst in the
community to build a culture
of active living.
f Empowers people to make
lifestyle changes. Skills based
leading edge programs have
shown significant results.
f Teams of health professionals
who are committed to
improving the health of their
patients and the community.
f Provides people centered
holistic care. Patients are
first able to access the web of
services of the Primary Care
Network through their family
doctor. Once a person is
referred to the team they are in
a web of care and can access
the other RDPCN services.
Our vision: Innovative comprehensive and continuous care for all patients in our community.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
3
2015 – 16 Leadership
Board of Directors
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Dr. Jack Bromley
Dr. Maureen McCall
Dr. James McIntyre
Dr. Charles Metcalfe
Dr. Peter Bouch PAST CHAIR
Dr. Peter Mah SECRETARY TREASURER
Mark Jones COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Morné Odendaal
Dr. Erin Thompson
Cindy Jefferies COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Nav Rattan CHAIR ELECT
Dr. Tony Williams BOARD CHAIR
Executive Director
Lorna Milkovich
RN, BN, MBA
AHS Governance Representatives
Andrea Thain Liptak DIRECTOR, PRIMARY CARE AND CDM
Allan Sinclair EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RED DEER
4
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
1
2
3
5
4
6
11
7
12
8
9
10
RDPCN staff
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
5
Google Won’t Help You Find Directions to a
Medical Home!
Medical Home
Support
Nurse
Clinic
Doctorss
(Panel
Manager)
Family
Nurse
All over Red Deer and surrounding area people are contacting their doctors’ clinics for
appointments as they always have. But for the last 10 years they may have noticed
access to other health care professionals right in their family doctor’s office and access
to other services at the RDPCN centralized office. The clinics have been evolving into
Medical Homes. Over the past year RDPCN support nurses have worked with doctors
to develop a system to identify their patient panel (list). In these clinics each time a
patient comes in they are asked to verify their family doctor. It’s a simple yet important
step in sorting out the panel or list of patients connected to a doctor. The support
nurses then identify which patients are due for screening tests such as pap smears and
colon cancer tests. They then call the patients and set up appointments — something
called outreach screening. This is only one part of the behind the scenes work in the
evolving Medical Homes.
The Patient’s Medical Home has been in development for the past 10 years.
The progress we’ve made to date includes:
Clinic
Staff
PATIENT
Pharmacist
Mental
M
en
Health
Counsellor
RDPCN
Central
Programs
f Patient-Centered care that focuses on the whole person: Once a person is connected
to RDPCN they have access to a web of care.
f Engaged Leadership: 10 family doctors and 2 community members sit on the
RDPCN Board which sets the strategy for the PCN. Two Alberta Health Services
employees sit on the governance committee.
f Team-based Care: A family nurse, mental health counsellor and pharmacists see
patients in doctors’ clinics. A recreation therapist, pregnancy and babies nurse and
group programs are available at the centralized PCN office.
f Culture of Improvement: Evaluation is used to guide the continuous quality
improvement process to ensure our programs are effective, meeting the needs of
6
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
the community and using our resources
wisely. All programs are evaluated and the
results are reported to staff, doctors, the
community, and Alberta Health.
f Access to Care: RDPCN began tracking
time to next appointment for doctor
appointments in 2015 – 2016. Many
doctors offer same day access to
appointments.
f Coordinated Care: Patients benefit from
connections to community and AHS
resources. 1,626 separate navigations
were recommended to patients by RDPCN
staff in 2015 – 2016.
f Panel & Continuity: Physicians and teams
know whose care they’re responsible
for. Two support nurses began working
with clinics to develop processes for
identifying, maintaining and managing
patient panels.
f Organized Evidence-Based Care: Evidencebased guidelines are embedded into the
daily practice of doctors and other health
care providers.
Barbara’s Web of Care
When Barbara turned 60 her doctor told her that
she had high cholesterol. She already knew she
had high blood pressure and an unhealthy lifestyle.
“It was worrying me as my Dad had both
high blood pressure and high cholesterol and
passed away in his mid-60s. That did it, I
decided to stop worrying and move towards a
happier, healthier and longer life right then.”
Barbara talked to her doctor who referred her to
Health Basics and a Family Nurse. She says these
programs engaged her to re-establish better habits.
She loves the group format and found that her
classmates helped her to find solutions. She checked out the RDPCN website and
discovered other programs. She needed some help with her sleep so she signed up
for the Sleep Program. She also got for a referral for the Happiness Basics program.
“I suggest everyone who wants to stay healthy or improve their health look
at the Red Deer PCN website and ask their doctor about the programs.
Now I am thinking healthier, have more options to help me become and stay
healthier and feel much more confident about living a long time. My health is
definitely on the upswing.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
7
6 of Our 19 Medical Homes Teams
Piper Creek
Medical
Clinic
Highland Park
Walk-In
Medical Clinic
8
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Saint Mary
Family and
Walk-In Clinic
Horizon
Family
Medicine
Clinic
Medical Home Goals in 2016 – 17
f Complete a two month Medical Home Pilot in
3 Clinics.
Clearview
Medical and
Walk-In Clinic
f Determine the expanded role of the Support Nurse in
3 Pilot Clinics. The Support Nurse role will expand to
include Panel Management. In the 2015 – 16 year the
Support Nurses worked primarily on developing Panel
Identification and Outreach Screening Processes.
f Complete Medical Home Assessments.
f Develop the Improvement Team.
f Develop Physician Champion role.
f Enhance the development of the Interprofessional teams.
f Develop Service Agreements.
f Increase the number of Support Nurses from 2 to 8.
Impala
Medical
Clinic
f At least 50% of clinics will complete the Medical
Home Assessment and engage in Medical Home
development work.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
9
RDPCN Values Our Community
and healthy living. We would like to highlight a few of our
community partnerships in 2015 – 2016.
f The City of Red Deer for their partnership on the Bike Corral
at the Saturday Market, Community Recreation Passes and
for their continued maintenance and care of the 10 outdoor
gyms and 2 disc golf courses.
f Berry Architecture for its partnership on the Berry
Architecture RDPCN Wellness Ride. RDPCN became a
named sponsor this year. The ride is a fundraiser for the
Canadian Mental Health Association and Central Alberta
Brain Injury Society.
A community can be defined as a group of people within a
geographic area who share common values and define relationships
as important to their social identity and practice. Red Deer PCN’s
community includes:
f The communities of Red Deer, Blackfalds, Penhold and
Delbourne.
f The nearly 128,000 people who doctor with RDPCN family
doctors (these people may or may not live within the
geographic areas described).
In the community we are a catalyst to improve individual and
community health. Thank you to the organizations and volunteers
who have collaborated with RDPCN to create a culture of active
10
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
f All of our Prescription to Get Active Partners! We introduced
Prescription to Get Active program in the past year. Doctors
began writing prescriptions for their patients to get active.
As part of this initiative we asked community facilities to
offer at least one free pass for the patient and their friend.
Twenty stepped up including:
City of Red Deer, Abbey Center, Penhold Multiplex,
Golden Circle, Kerry Wood Nature Center, Red Deer College,
Yoga Studios (Bikram Yoga, Universoul Yoga Studio,
Breathing Room Yoga Studio, and My Revolution Cycle & Yoga),
Fitness Facilities (Curves, Studio Pilates, Body Basics,
One to One Fitness, Only Women’s Fitness, The Sweat Shop,
and Group Fitness Experts), Master Rim’s Taekwondo,
Shotokan Karate Club, and Red Deer Tennis Club.
Impacting Lifestyle
The Facts
Health Cafés
Exercise is beneficial for many chronic conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis
of the hip and knee, chronic back pain, heart disease, COPD,
chronic fatigue and type 2 diabetes) and can offer benefits that
are comparable to medication, yet exercise is under prescribed.2
Health Cafés are discussions of current health topics for the
public. Participants hear the basic facts on a variety of subjects
from family doctors and other health professionals. The audience
is encouraged to participate and there is always time set aside for
questions. Topics presented this year include Coping with Chronic
Pain, Relationships, Understanding and Healing Loss, Comfort
and Joy for the Holidays, and My Year of Change.
f 11.6% of adult Canadians report having an anxiety or mood
disorder3. Exercise has been shown to have an effect on
depression and anxiety that is also comparable to more
traditional methods of therapy. It has the added effect of
increasing confidence and self-esteem.4
f Only one third of Canadian adult men (38%) and half of
women (55%) are not classified as overweight or obese.5
f The average Albertan sits 9 hours per weekday and 8.25 hours
on weekend days. Only 60% of Albertans (self-reported) are
physically active enough to get health benefits.6
f 5 cafés with over 200 attendees were hosted in
2015 – 2016.
f 100% of the attendees found the cafés helpful and
would attend another.
A few comments from the Relationship Health Café held
in June 2015:
“Concrete ideas to improve communication that are practical.”
“Different perspective — very enlightening. Thank you.”
2
Hoffman, T. et al. (2016). Prescribing exercise interventions for patients with chronic
conditions. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 188(7), p 510.
3
Statistics Canada. (2014). Mood and anxiety disorders in Canada: Fast facts from the 2014
survey on living with chronic diseases in Canada. Retrieved from http://healthycanadians.
gc.ca/publications/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/mental-mood-anxiety-anxieuxhumeur/index-eng.php
4
Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed.
Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104–111.
5
Statistics Canada. The Daily: Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2013.
6
Alberta Centre for Active Living. (2015). Alberta survey on physical activity. Edmonton, AB.
“Good presentation. Thanks. Related to both personal and
work — great!”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
11
Health Basics: Lifestyle Group
Health Basics is an action based group for people who want to
embrace healthy living through mindset, nutrition and activity.
Participants learn to make simple and effective lifestyle changes
that they can stick to for the long term. One other Alberta PCN
received training on the Health Basics program this year.
In 2015 – 2016, 222 people participated in Health
Basics. At the end of the 8 week group results show:
f Increased activity, healthy eating and positive mindset.
f Increased quality of life – more vitality, less pain, better
mental health and increased ability to do daily tasks.
f Weight loss, decreased BMI and waist circumference.
A study was conducted to determine the impact of the
program after 24 months. Results show:
f The average weight loss was 9.8 kg.
f Improvements in bodily pain, general health, vitality
and overall physical functioning.
f Patients maintained their knowledge and confidence
to manage their health.
f Health behavior decreased in the first 12 months,
but increased between 12 and 24 months.
12
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Participant comments:
“Love the collaboration with the other participants. I wish my
generation would wake up and get active.”
“Health Basics helped me get going!”
“It really helped me to learn to eat right.”
65 Pounds...Gone!
Collecting the Gems
Roberta had never struggled with her weight
until her husband was diagnosed with Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“where I was
going to have to take medication to control it.”
“Living with a COPD mate, you are on
constant guard. I started snacking as a
comfort, a way to deal with my stress, and
I was always taking care of him so I wasn’t
very active.”
After her husband passed away, Roberta
struggled with the huge loss but realized food
was no longer making her feel better. In fact,
the extra weight she had gained had now
become the stressor.
Her doctor referred her to Health Basics Program.
“Just having the chance to meet and talk with
others about weight problems helped a lot.
The encouragement from the group leaders
was outstanding and the exercises I learned
are still part of my daily routine.” It took
two years for the weight to come off but today
Roberta is 65 pounds lighter!
Eddy’s cholesterol was at the point
To avoid medication, Eddy decided to try to lower
it naturally.
His doctor referred him to Health Basics to help
him develop healthy nutrition and activity habits.
“I was ready. It was a lot of basic stuff, but
I thought if I can take a gem from each
meeting, then it’s all worth it.”
Eddy attended all the classes and began implementing
the gems in his day-to-day life. Six months later, his
blood test results were significantly improved. And
Eddy’s commitment to exercise was paying off.
“Before Health Basics, I played baseball and hockey, but I thought I’d
probably only be able to play for a couple more years. Now I think the only
limiting factor for me is making time to play.”
“I’ve been doing the Health Basics exercise and stretching program five to
seven days a week and I’ve noticed things like yard work is a lot easier. I feel
younger than I have in years.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
13
Preventing Falls
The Facts
Healthy aging is about creating conditions for individuals to make
choices and engage in behaviours that prevent falls.7 The Public
Health Agency of Canada states: Falls are the leading cause of
injury among older Canadians.
But falls in the community can be prevented by:9
f Education
f Modifying the environment (e.g., taking out throw mats in
the home.)
f 20 – 30% of seniors experience one or more falls each year.
f Using walking aids as needed.
f Falls are the cause of 85% of seniors’ injury-related
hospitalizations.
f Treating of medical conditions especially visual problems,
and cardiovascular disorders.
f Falls are the cause of 95% of all hip-fractures.
f Exercises that target balance, gait and strength training are
most effective and can be offered in supervised groups or
performed individually.
f 50% of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home.
f Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors and also
contribute to a significant burden on the healthcare system.
Direct healthcare costs for falls in Canada are estimated at
$2 billion annually.8
f Medication review and modification.
f Good nutrition to maintain muscle strength and adequate
hydration.
f Vision referral and correction.
14
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
7
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2014). Seniors’ falls in Canada: Second report. Ottawa, Ont.
8
Accreditation Canada et al. Preventing falls: From evidence to improvement in Canadian
health care. Ottawa, ON: CIHI; 2014.
9
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2014). Seniors’ falls in Canada: Second report. Ottawa, Ont.
Strong and Steady
Strong and Steady is a 4 week exercise and falls prevention education group targeted to
older adults who have a fear of falling, may have problems getting out of a chair, are able
to walk and are able to participate in a group setting. The focus is on exercise, safety in
the home, and introduction to a community activity class.
In 2015 – 2016, 136 people attended the group. Participants reported over
90% improvement in:
f Confidence in walking
f Balance
f Performing daily activities
Participant comments:
“My biggest success in this program is the encouragement to be more active for
my mental and physical being.”
“I do exercise more than I did before the program.”
90 Years Old and
Going Strong!
Agnes is quite a remarkable lady. At 90
years young, she was referred by her
doctor to the Red Deer Primary Care
Network’s Strong and Steady program to
learn some new tips and tricks.
She loved the four weeks she spent in the
classes and, although she has been active
throughout her life, she enjoyed learning
new exercises to increase her strength,
flexibility and balance. Agnes practices
what she preaches. Most days, you can
find her walking around her neighborhood
getting in her 30 minutes.
“I was upset when it ended! I tell
everyone it’s a good thing to take
and it does help.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
15
Improving Sleep
The Facts
Online Sleep Program
How much sleep is enough? 7 to 9 hours
for young adults and adults, and 7 to 8
hours of sleep for older adults. Individuals
who habitually sleep outside the normal
range may be exhibiting signs or
symptoms of serious health problems or,
if done by choice, may be compromising
their health and well-being.10
RDPCN offers Return2Sleep, an online program developed at the University of Manitoba.
This program was one of the first of its kind in North America. Patients can access the
program from their computer or iPad. The program calculates an appropriate bedtime for
each person and then guides them through cognitive behavioral therapy skills to improve
their sleep. They have homework each week and receive feedback from the program to
maximize self-management of their sleep.
Sleep deprivation: “In the short term,
a lack of adequate sleep can affect
judgment, mood, ability to learn and
retain information, and may increase the
risk of serious accidents and injury. In
the long term, chronic sleep deprivation
may lead to a host of health problems
including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, and even early mortality.
In 2015 – 2016, 152 people participated in the Return2Sleep Program.
The program is self-paced, and 25 people completed all modules.
The program had technical issues this year, which are being resolved.
Participants have reported approximately 3 hours more sleep per week,
significantly improved sleep quality and efficiency, and that they used
sleeping pills less often.12
“It was a challenge for me to change my patterns at night, but once I got into it
I really enjoyed it …it was helpful.” – Sleep program participant who also suffers from Chronic pain
Sleep benefits: Sleep plays a critical role
in immune function, metabolism, memory,
learning, and other vital functions.”11
10 National Sleep Foundation’s sleep time duration recommendations: Methodology and results summary Sleep Health, Volume 1,
Issue 1, Pages 40-43
11 National Sleep Foundation’s sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary. Sleep Health, 1(1).
Pages 40-43.
12 RDPCN 2014-2015 study on Return2Sleep experience.
16
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Tobacco Free Program
The Facts
21% of people in Central Zone* smoke, which compares to 14.5% for Alberta.
Participant comments:
RDPCN’s Tobacco Free program, offered by Family Nurses in clinics, is based on the
Mayo Clinic program. The nurses build a relationship of trust and encouragement
through 4 in person visits as recommended by research.13 Follow up appointments
are offered by phone.
“Helped me sort out a plan.”
In 2015 – 2016:
f 258 referrals were made to the program
“No pressure or guilt.”
“She provided me with new approaches
to resist the temptation to smoke.”
f 164 people participated in the program
A 6 month quit telephone survey of 67 patients found:
f 13 had remained quit for at least 6 months for a 19.4% quit rate.14
f The percentage of those who quit increased with each additional
appointment/telephone visit, which is consistent with the Mayo Clinic
experience.
13 Fiore, M. C., & Baker, T. B. (2011). Treating smokers
in the health care setting. New England Journal of
Medicine, 365(13), 1222-1231.
*Central Zone is one of the five AHS zones. RDPCN’s population covers approximately one
quarter of the zone.
14 Patients who did not respond after 3 attempts were
counted as not quit as recommended by smoking
cessation literature.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
17
Tools for Setting Lifestyle Goals
Having a goal doubles the chance of making successful changes.
Prescription to Get Active15
Those who maintain an active life will live longer, healthier lives.
Those who are unfit and sedentary very predictably develop
chronic diseases prematurely and die at a younger age.16
The RDPCN Prescription to Get Active program was piloted in the
fall of 2015 in two clinics. It was spread to all clinics in January
2016. Doctors assess their patients’ levels of physical activity and
write a Prescription to Get Active for those patients who aren’t
getting enough activity, but could safely exercise.
Twenty local businesses, RDPCN community partners, provide
free activity trials at their facilities for people with prescriptions.
See page 9 for a list of businesses.This is a chance to try a new
activity and invite a friend. It is a way people can find an activity
that they enjoy and want to continue to participate in.
Although 50% of Canadians believe they meet the physical
activity guidelines when asked, in fact, when objectively
measured, only 15% of adults are actually getting the
recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. On
average, Canadian adults obtain only 12 minutes of moderate to
vigorous exercise per day. Similarly, children and youth are largely
failing to meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise.17
f 233 electronic prescriptions and a number of paper
prescriptions were written from December 2015 to
March 2016.
15 This program originated in the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network and it has
spread across the province. For more information go to www.prescriptiontogetactive.com
16 Alberta Centre for Active Living. (2015). Alberta survey on physical activity. Edmonton, AB.
17 Government of Canada. (2016). Obesity in Canada: A whole-of-society approach for a
healthier Canada. Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and
Technology. Ottawa, ON.
18
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
My Year of Change (MYOC)
M
MYOC
is built on the idea of a bucket list (things
to do before you die). The lifestyle bucket list is
My year of change a list of lifestyle changes that people never quite
gget around to. MYOC has the user set up one
or
o two small changes (goals) each month with
weekly
checkups. This format simplifies goal
w
setting into actionable monthly steps. People can use it on their own
or bring it in to RDPCN appointments. Ask for a copy at your doctor’s
office or drop by the RDPCN office to pick one up.
“What I love most about MYOC is how flexible it is as a tool
for patients. Lifestyle change is so much more effective and
rewarding when individuals are directing themselves in healthy
changes with the support of such a tool. And I'm constantly
amazed at the creative solutions people come up with that
not only work for their own lives, but frequently accomplish
multiple health goals at the same time.” – Dr. Kerri Johnstone
“I use it every single day.” – Health Café Participant
“Sometimes I have to use the same goal the next month, but
learn something each time. And remind myself I don’t need
to be perfect.” – Health Café Participant
Treks in Virtual Locations
RDPCN has been offering online treks since 2009. Treks give
people a destination goal to reach. To date 13 treks have been
organized with over 6,350 participants including individuals,
groups, businesses and schools. People register as individuals or
teams and join the trek on the website reddeerpcn.com. Activity
is converted to steps by the online program. In order to complete
a trek on schedule a participant needs to take approximately
10,000 to 11,000 steps every day. Studies indicate 10,000
steps/day is necessary for health benefits.18
Comments from team captains on the treks:
“Participants enjoyed the
trek and found a bit of
friendly competition good.”
“Folks realized what was
involved when they got fit
bits or other trackers and
upped their activity.”
“We would do another trek!”
Trek launch at Red Deer City Hall
18 Tudor-Locke, C., Baseett, D. (2004). How many steps/day are enough? Preliminary
pedometer indices for public health. Sports Med 34(1). 1-8.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
19
A Healthier Community
The Built Environment
Red Deer PCN was acknowledged at the Chronic Disease
Prevention Alliance of Canada (CDPAC) Conference in Ottawa
(2014) as the only place that they knew of where doctors were
involved in the built environment.
Canadians of all ages aren’t moving their bodies enough to reap
all of the good things that come from being active: reduced risk
of disease like type 2 diabetes and some cancers, better scores in
reading and math, better fitness, more fun, healthy body weight,
self-confidence, new skills, better mental health.19
Red Deer has the highest number of outdoor gyms per capita
in Canada. The RDPCN partnered with the City of Red
Deer to build 10 outdoor gyms in Red Deer communities in
2009 and 2010 making workouts free and convenient while
offering people an opportunity to build community by getting
to know their neighbors. A training video for the outdoor
gyms is on the RDPCN website. Training by PCN staff is also
offered to members of the public who request it.
In 2015, an outdoor gym was installed at Eastview Middle
School through the support of the Government of Alberta
and 8 local organizations.
19 Participaction. (2015). Impact Report. Retrieved on from http://www.participaction.com/
sites/default/files/downloads/Participaction-Impact-Report-2015.pdf
20
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Eleven gyms are located within Red Deer communities:
f Barrett Park: 4725 – 43 St. (next to Kinex Arena)
f Bower Place: 460 Barrett Dr.
f Glendale Park: Glendale Blvd. at Greig Dr.
f Johnstone Crossing Community Health Centre:
105 Jennings Cres.
f Mountainview Sunnybrook Community Activity Centre:
4316 – 32 St.
f Oriole Park: 5204 Kerrywood Dr.
f Red Deer Primary Care Network: 5130 – 47 St.
f Riverside Meadows Community Activity Centre:
5616 Kerry Wood Dr.
f Rosedale Community Activity Centre:
2 Rowland St.
f Victoria Park: Allan St. at Ayers Dr.
f One children’s gym at Eastview Middle School
"It’s awesome to see 11 – 14 year olds outside playing on the
playground equipment. Active kids are healthy kids.”
– Mark Jones, RDPCN Community Board Member
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
21
Disc Golf
Two disc golf courses were built in partnership with the City of Red Deer for the use
by the general public in 2011 and 2012. Over 1,000 people of all ages have attended
community disc golf coaching sessions since that time.
Portable disc golf sets are available through RDPCN to introduce people to disc golf and
encourage physical activity. They were borrowed 11 times in 2015 to 2016 for local events
such as birthdays and parties. RDPCN also offers disc golf training for small groups on request.
Score cards can be printed off at reddeerpcn.com or picked up at the central RDPCN office.
RDPCN would like to thank Central Alberta Disc Golf Association (CADGA) for
starting a Wednesday disc golf league open to the public. This really highlights
our objective to be a catalyst for increasing active living in the community.
CADGA has an average of 18 players per league day. CADGA will host the
Trilogy Disc Golf Tournament in Red Deer, Victoria Park course in May of 2016.
“I am a member of the CADGA in my third year of play. The PCN is doing a
great job at helping promote the sport. As the sport grows the city may need more
challenging courses as player ability get better. scores are already dropping pretty
quick!!!. The good things to report:
• Parks are easy to access,
• Basket placement is adequate for beginners, discs and baskets are available
from PCN (awesome).
• It is free (awesome).”
22
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Disc Golf courses are located at:
f Victoria Park (along Allan St.):
A 9 hole, 2500 foot course in Central
Red Deer. The course is rated at par
28 and par 25 for professionals.
f Kentwood (along Kent St. and
Kendrew Dr.): A 9 hole, 2226 foot
course in North Red Deer. The
course is rated as par 37.
Berry Architecture
Red Deer PCN Wellness Ride
In support of active living and mental
health, the RDPCN co-sponsored the
Berry Architecture RDPCN Wellness
Ride in August 2015. RDPCN staff were
involved as organizers, volunteers and
as riders in this event that supports the
Central Alberta Region CMHA and the
Central Alberta Brain Injury Society.
Approximately 70 riders participated in
the pouring rain!
Farmer’s Market Bike Corral
Bike Corrals are hosted by RDPCN each
Saturday from May through October at no
charge to the user. The Bike Corral has
been available since 2012.
An average of 28 people use the
bike corral each week.
The City of Red Deer
Recreation Passes
RDPCN provides City of Red Deer recreation
passes to patients who are currently facing
some financial challenges and want to use
City-operated recreation facilities or take
part in City offered Recreation, Parks or
Culture programs or activities.
The RDPCN distributed 225
Recreation Passes as Fee Assistance
Program Approvers in 2015 – 2016.
“The passes were used for drop in
activities or program registrations.
RDPCN gave out the most passes
in the city, 65% higher than the next
leading referral agency.”20
“Without the pass I wouldn’t have been
able to take my three kids to the pool”.
20 Email correspondence from the City of Red Deer,
April 28, 2016.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
23
A Healthy Workplace
RDPCN is a leader in healthy workplace.
The policies and operations of the RDPCN
support staff work life balance and
physical and emotional wellbeing. RDPCN
received the Alberta Premier’s Award for
Healthy Workplaces three years in a row.
f Noon Hour Staff Fitness Drop in.
f Stand Up Desks for staff to reduce
the number of hours of sitting.
f Tag-it. All staff meetings have one
agenda item where staff are asked
to stand.
Workplace Highlights:
Opportunity to be healthy living
role models
f Activity recesses and PCN treks.
f Support for group outings such as
cross country skiing, spin class,
yoga and community volunteering.
24
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Supportive Environment
f RDPCN group programs offered to
improve resiliency.
f Community Participation is supported:
Ronald McDonald House suppers,
Loaves and Fishes Christmas
donations, Mother’s Day Run and Berry
Architecture RDPCN Wellness Ride.
f Staff all participated in a Christmas
Charity event. Staff provided gifts to
fill boxes for the residents of the five
Safe Harbour houses.
Learning Opportunities
f Regular Brown Bag lunches and opportunity to attend
conferences.
f Regular staff retreats provide challenge and inspiration.
In the September 2015 retreat staff learned about how their
personality styles interact best with others through a True
Colour workshop.
Communication
Recognition and Acknowledgment
f Long term service awards.
f Professional celebration and acknowledgment:
e.g., nurses week.
f Staff ideas are acknowledged: e.g., ideas to develop new
programs or improve programs.
f Gratitude Wall (developed by staff): a space for staff to post
notes of gratitude about their colleagues which are often
about their colleagues.
f All professional staff provide a monthly report to the
Executive Director outlining successes and opportunities for
improvement. Many ideas have been adopted.
f Regular staff meetings have open communication forums.
“I feel blessed to call the RDPCN my work home.”
“It has been wonderful working for such a great company
and I look forward to the next 10 years.”
“(The staff retreat) gave me a chance to get to know myself
and co-workers at a different level.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
25
Impacting Mental Health
The Facts
Approximately 20% of individuals will experience a mental illness
during their lifetime, and the remaining 80% will be affected by an
illness in family members, friends or colleagues.24
f 1 in 10 Canadians indicate a need for mental health care
per year.21
f An estimated 40% of days that individuals lived with
disability world wide were because of substance abuse
or mental health related problems.22 Every day 500,000
Canadians are absent from work due to mental illness.23
f Health promotion and prevention are key elements in
addressing mental health, yet “account for only 0.1%25 of
costs related to the health care system.”26
f Mental Health and Wellness is a major initiative
within RDPCN.
f In 2015 – 2016, 4,009 referrals (47%) of referrals
from family doctors were for mental health programs
and services.
21 Sunderland, A., Findlay, C. (2013). Perceived need for mental health care in Canada:
Results from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health. Statistics
Canada Catalogue no. 82-003-X.
22 World Health Organization. (2001). World Health Report. Mental health: New understanding,
new hope. Geneva. World Health Organization.
23 Institute for Health Economics. (2008). How much should we spend on mental health?
Edmonton, AB.
24 Health Canada. (2002). A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada.
25 Wild, et al. (2014) Gap Analysis of Public Mental Health and Addictions Programs (GAPMAP). Final Report. In Government of Alberta. (2015). Valuing mental health. Report of the
Alberta Mental Health Review Committee.
26 Government of Alberta. (2015). Valuing mental health. Report for the Alberta Mental Health
Committee, p. 6.
26
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Empowering People to Face Life’s Challenges
Mental Health Counsellors
Asking the right question
Mental health counsellors provide brief counselling for patients referred in every RDPCN
doctor’s clinic. Patients who require longer term counselling, specialized counselling, or
who are urgently in need of services are referred to AHS or community services.
After experiencing a career ending brain
injury, a client was feeling overwhelmed
and anxious as to what life would now have
in store for him. His cousellor reframed his
experience, by simply asking “Have you
ever grieved your career?” This question
allowed the client to move forward with
a better understanding of what he was
feeling. It also gave his wife more of an
understanding of what her husband was
going through.
“The Counsellor has helped open many doors of understanding for me…is smart,
knowledgeable, compassionate. I have tons more awareness of my thoughts, behavior.”
– Patient
Patients reported a 42% decrease in distress level after counselling sessions in
an evaluation done in 2013.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
27
Managing Anxiety
The Facts
Anxiety can stop people from living their best life. Anxiety is the
most common mental health reason for patients seeing a family
doctor.27 Anxiety is also the most common reason for referral to
the RDPCN mental health program.
f Anxiety disorders affect 12% of the Canadian
population, causing mild to severe impairment.28
Anxiety to Calm Group
The RDPCN 8 week group program, Anxiety to Calm, is focused
on people learning more about anxiety, learning skills to manage
and reduce anxiety, and experiencing more calmness.
In 2015 – 2016, 277 people participated in the
anxiety group.
“Focusing on now. The instructors were very informative, they
have opened many avenues to gain more knowledge ...the rest
is up to me.”
People attending this group had a 50% reduction in
anxiety symptoms on completion of the group.
“To relax, do my breathing and listen to myself, what my
heart body and mind is saying and yes, it's ok to say NO.”
f People improved their ability to do daily tasks and work;
had more energy; better mental health and increased
their likelihood of socializing with family and friends.
“Making me aware of my contribution to my anxiety, then
giving me the tools to manage and understand my anxiety.”
27 Health Canada (2002). A report on mental illnesses in Canada. Retrieved from
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/pdf/men_ill_e.pdf
28 Ibid
28
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
The First Step is the Hardest
Coping with MS
Bonnie had almost stopped going out. She was dealing with arthritis
in her knees but that wasn’t the reason...she was overwhelmed with
anxiety. For many years, Bonnie had been dealing with varying degrees
of anxiety but the attacks escalated after the death of her husband.
When Jalene was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two-anda-half years ago, she didn’t realize she would also be battling
anxiety and depression.
She found the courage to talk to her doctor about her condition
and he referred her to the Red Deer Primary Care Network’s Anxiety
to Calm program, an eight-week program designed for people with
anxiety that has stopped them from living their best life.
“It’s a great program. I tell people it takes a while to learn,
so be patient and go to every single class. I got so much
from each one!”
Bonnie now has the skills to manage and reduce her anxiety and
she practices them regularly. Recently, she experienced the death
of a close family member and noticed a big difference in how she
was able to deal with it and heal. She also catches herself if she
is dwelling on something in the past.
“I say to myself, it doesn’t matter what happened years ago.
I live for today.”
Bonnie now takes part in many of the programs her seniors’ residence
has to offer and she is active despite the arthritis in her knees.
“It all hit me very hard.”
Time went by and, while she thought she was adjusting to her disease,
she was no longer sleeping well. Initially, she registered for the Red
Deer Primary Care Network’s (RDPCN) sleep program but recognized
she needed more interaction than the online program provided. She
discussed her options with her doctors and they decided the RDPCN’s
Anxiety to Calm program would be a better fit for her situation.
“One of the biggest things I got from it is awareness. I didn’t
even realize all the things that were stressing me out.”
Jalene uses many of the tools she learned in the classes but the body
scan, an exercise where participants focus on relaxing individual
muscle groups, is one of her favourites.
“I was carrying so much tension in my back and neck."
Although Jalene completed the program, she is considering
enrolling again.
“I got so much from it the first time but I know there’s lots I missed.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
29
Happier People
The Facts
f 11.3% of Canadians have a depressive disorder.29
That is approximately one in every 10 people.
f Depression was the second most common reason of all
referrals to RDPCN mental health in 2015 – 2016.
Happiness Basics
RDPCN offers a 7 week Happiness Basics group based in positive
psychology. This program was developed for people who want to be
happier, whether they are depressed, just getting by or flourishing.
Positive psychology focuses on the creation of positive states of
mind, positive emotions and positive experiences. It focuses on
what is going well with people, what is right, and what is good.
Participants learn skills such as savouring and gratefulness.
RDPCN stands out as a leader in Alberta for using this fresh and
scientifically proven approach.
Happiness Group in 2015 – 2016:
f 139 people participated.
f Participants reported an average 24% increase in
their happiness after completing the group.
29 Pearson, C., Janz, T., Ali, J. (2013). Mental and substance use disorders in Canada.
Statistics Canada. Catalogue no. 82-624-X.
30
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
f 48 health care professionals working in Alberta PCNs
and Alberta Health Services (AHS) were trained in
2015 – 2016 to deliver the program. Classes are
running in several communities across the province.
f One to two hour slices (workshops) of this program
have been offered to organizations, schools and
workplaces throughout the community. The slices
provide an introduction to positive psychology and
teach a few skills.
Bring the Music Back
“Over the weeks, I learned tools to
help me change my mood and deal
with daily challenges in a positive way.
I really feel the tools were gifts that I
can enjoy for the rest of my life.”
– Kathryn, Happiness Basics Participant
“It just really helped me see I was
being pessimistic and not motivated
to be positive.” – Happiness Basics participant
“I feel very blessed and grateful that
I have been able to go to a program
such as Happiness Basics. The PCN
team/program is superb and the
people are just plain AWESOME!
We are very fortunate to have these
programs in our community!”
– Cathy, Happiness Basics Participant
At one time, Audrey really liked her job but changes to the
organization impacted her and many of her colleagues negatively.
“I was always the upbeat, cheery person but spending so
much time around grumpy people really started to get me
down. It was like my job no longer jived with my values and
I felt like I lost a piece of myself.”
She knew she had to make a change, but for Audrey, that meant starting down a long
road to get her degree. “It took me five-and-a-half years to finish because I had to keep
working,” explains Audrey. Finally able to pursue a new direction in her career, Audrey
knew she wanted a fresh start for her attitude, too. “I remembered I used to hum all the
time and then I noticed I wasn’t,” says Audrey. “It was like I lost the music in my head.”
She enrolled in the Red Deer Primary Care Network’s Happiness Basics, a seven week
program where participants learn happiness is a state of mind, and must be chosen and
reinforced with action on a daily basis.
“I love the message of the program and I recommend it all the time,” says Audrey.
“Savouring the happy moments is BIG. You have to take time to enjoy and reflect,
and not let those great moments go by.”
For Audrey, the music is back.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
31
Happiness Improves Chronic Pain
Kathyrn went to her doctor with chronic pain. She thought her
years as a care giver, a physically demanding job, had finally
caught up with her but her doctor had other thoughts.
“We talked about it and while I did have some specific physical
issues, he thought I might be dealing with some depression, too.
He didn’t want to just give me a prescription.”
Instead, Kathryn’s doctor referred her to Happiness Basics, a
seven week program developed for people who want to be happier,
whether they are depressed, just getting by or flourishing. “I had
no idea what to expect and at first I was really negative,” says
Kathyrn. “I thought doctors today were going to be prescribing
things like this instead of the painkillers I thought I needed.”
“I really feel the tools were gifts that I can enjoy for the rest
of my life."
Kathryn enjoyed Happiness Basics so much, she went on to
participate in the RDPCN’s Health Basics where she learned
nutrition and exercise information. She has since overhauled her
diet and has incorporated more movement into her days.
“My pain level has dropped considerably. It’s not gone but
now I have a regime to manage it.”
Participants in the Happiness Basics program showed an
average decrease of 8% in bodily pain in 2015 – 2016
using the Health Quality of Life survey SF-12v2™.30
Her attitude changed dramatically once she began attending the
workshops. “It was very rewarding and it was so nice to be able
to connect with people going through the same things,” says
Kathyrn. Over the weeks, Kathyrn learned tools to help her change
her mood and deal with daily challenges in a positive way.
30 SF-12v2™ Health Survey © 1994, 2002 by QualityMetric Incorporated and Medical
Outcomes Trust.
32
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Strengthening Relationships
The Facts
Unhealthy relationships can take a toll on mental health and
quality of life. Relationship concerns are the third most common
reason for referral to the mental health program.
Relationships that Work
2015 – 2016:
f Only 3 programs were offered in the spring of 2015
due to group redevelopment.
f 28 people attended the group
Participants commented on what changed as a result of the program:
“I have gained skills for communicating, some new relationships
with group members and some purpose moving ahead.”
“I’m more mindful and aware.”
The RDPCN 4 week Relationships that Work group enhances
personal, work and family relationships. The group focuses on what
the participant can change in themselves, not how they change
others. The program underwent redevelopment in 2015 – 2016.
The new 8 week group, Relationships in Motion, will cover more
topic areas and is set to begin in 2016 – 2017. This program will
build greater understanding of the participants’ role in relationships,
build skills to understand and interact better with others, and create
the ability to improve the relationship by changing ourselves first.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
33
Journeying Through Grief
Reconnecting People
The Facts
People who attend the Recreation Therapy program face challenges
such as finances, confidence, mental health, physical health, and
awareness of leisure activities that hold them back from being active
and engaged in the community. The recreation therapist works
with the person in the community to develop skills to increase their
engagement in activities. This leading edge program has moved
recreation therapy out of the hospital into the community. It is one
of the only programs in Canada that is health promotion based.
Nothing is as constant in life or as guaranteed as experiencing grief
and loss. While every person experiences grief in a different way it
is often confusing to work though the loss or overwhelming to even
know where to start. Especially if it has been some time since the
loss occurred and people are still struggling to cope with it.
Journeying Through Grief
The RDPCN has developed an 8 week, Journeying Through Grief,
group to help people feel supported and begin to understand and
work through their grief. The small group setting allows people
to feel less alone in their grief and the creative and engaging
activities help them begin, or continue forward on, their journey
back to well-being. This group is designed for all grief and loss
including job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, pet loss, etc.
Journeying through Grief program 2015 – 2016:
f 11 staff including psychologists, provisional
psychologists, social workers and a dietitian worked
on the development of the program.
f The first workshop launched on March 15, 2016.
34
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Recreation Therapy program 2015 – 2016:
f There were 149 new patients. There were 440
encounters with patients.
f 6 months after attending the program patients
experienced:
f 28% increase in emotional functioning.
f 17% increase in physical functioning, which
allowed them to accomplish more of their
everyday tasks.
f 31% decrease in their risk of becoming depressed.
“Jeff (The Recreation Therapist) is a great listener. Very Patient.
Seemed to really understand my problems.”
Improved Access to Psychiatry
In a 2012 study, 1 in 3 Canadians had symptoms consistent with a major depressive
episode, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or substance abuse disorders at some point
in their lives.31
When individuals have mental health and/or substance abuse concerns, they often
approach their family doctors first. Family doctors play a major role in the delivery
of mental health and/or substance abuse care. They may also need to consult with
specialists such as psychiatrists to help with diagnosis and treatment plans for their
patients. Referral to other community agencies such as AHS Community Addiction
& Mental Health Services may also occur. RDPCN has partnered with community
psychiatrists by supporting a psychiatric clinic located at the RDPCN office three
afternoons a week. By doing so, psychiatrists without private offices of their own now
have a venue to direct referrals from the family doctors.
There were 243 referrals to a psychiatrist at RDPCN in 2015 – 2016.
31 Pearson, C., Janz, T., Ali, J. (2013). Mental and substance use disorders in Canada. Health at a Glance, Article. Statistics Canada.
Catalogue no. 82-624-X.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
35
Supporting Youth
3.2 million 12 – 19 year olds in Canada are at risk for developing depression.32
Under My Skin
Under My Skin uses social action drama to provide grade seven
students with important messages and information on body image
promotion, healthy active living and positive perspectives. Grade
seven is a crucial time to deal with many of the issues associated
with body image including media messages, self-talk, risky
behaviours, well being, and positive choices. This is a project
of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools which has been
supported by the RDPCN for five years.
This year’s production was seen by 982 grade seven
students from 13 schools representing four area school
jurisdictions.
32 Canadian Mental Health Association. (2016). Fast facts about mental illness.
36
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
“I have seen ‘Under My Skin’ a few times and it is a
wonderful program that is very relevant for many including
myself. I wish this was around when I was young and in
school. Thank you!” – Teacher
DYEversity Run
Empathy Pilot Program
The RDPCN Arch marked the finish line at the inaugural
DYEversity Run at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.
Over 600 students, and 100 volunteers took part. The run was a
non-competitive event that brought students, staff, parents and
the community together to celebrate diversity.
The Empathy program (also known as the Resiliency Program) is
a partnership between Red Deer Public Schools, Alberta Health
Services, RDPCN and the University of Alberta. The pilot program
ended June 30, 2015. Results are not yet available.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
37
Impacting Vulnerable People
Helping Connect
the Refugees to a
Family Doctor
Partnering with the RCMP to Help People
in Time of Crisis
In collaboration with federal, provincial,
municipal and community partners, as
well as private individuals, Red Deer
committed to providing a welcoming new
home for those fleeing violence in their
homeland by supporting a coordinated
community response to ensure the
immediate and long-term successful
resettlement outcomes of refugees.
The RCMP received approximately 1,598 mental health related 911 calls
in 2015 – 2016.
As part of the community effort, RDPCN
physicians stepped up to help ensure
the health needs of the newcomers and
their families were taken care of. Twelve
family physicians put their names on
a list to accept refugees settling in the
RDPCN area.
The Facts
PACT
Red Deer’s Police and Crisis Team (PACT)
is a two-person outreach team consisting of
a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) and a
RCMP officer (picture left). Red Deer has
two PACTs. PACT responds to incidents
involving individuals/families experiencing
mental health, addiction, or psychosocial
crisis, especially when danger to the public
is present. The team provides assessment,
street level intervention and connection to
community resources. PACT diverts service
delivery away from the Emergency Room and
the Criminal Justice System where possible.
PACT responded to 1,043 mental health crisis calls in 2015 – 2016, a
30% increase from the previous year, and diverted 90% of the cases from
Red Deer Regional Hospital – Emergency Room. The PACT team has made
valuable connections with community agencies and received 360 of the crisis
38
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
calls directly from these partners, as well as individuals
within the community. PACT was awarded the Central
Alberta Region CMHA Award for Excellence for Service
Delivery by an Agency/Group in 2015. Social Return on
Investment (SROI) of 6:2 was realized for this program
in 2014. For every dollar spent, 6.2 dollars of social
value were created. An updated SROI assessment is
being completed during 2016.
RDPCN Board Members Roll up
Their Sleeves
Six board members dished up dinner at Loaves & Fishes
in January 2016.
SROI is a tool for measuring value, taking into account social,
economic and environmental factors. For every dollar invested,
social value is created and higher cost health care services such
as ER visits and hospitalization are avoided.
“I met you and Constable Jarowski a long time ago when I
was a young kid. Ever since then I have been doing awesome
as a teenager ... I have not been volatile towards people or
hurting people like I used to. I can now talk about things
and have conversations without having to be restrained
afterwards. I am going to high school next year ... Just
wanted to say “Thank you for everything.” – PACT client
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
39
Primary Care for Vulnerable People
The Facts
Street Clinic
Vulnerable populations are groups
that are not well integrated into the
health care system because of ethnic,
cultural, economic, geographic, or health
characteristics. This isolation puts
members of these groups at risk for not
obtaining necessary medical care, and thus
constitutes a potential threat to their health.
The Street Clinic provides primary care for vulnerable people. The Street Clinic has been
operational for seven years to provide medical services and connect people to agencies
for further help and resources to support them becoming healthier. The nurse practitioner
works in consultation with a family doctor, as needed. Based on the prevalence of mental
health and addiction concerns of many Street Clinic patients, a dedicated mental health
counsellor is assigned to the Street Clinic.
Although the overall standard of living is
high, nearly 10% of Albertans still live
below the poverty line.33
In 2015 – 2016, 403 new patients attended the clinic. New and follow up
patients had a total of 1567 visits. The Social Return on Investment was 3:1
in 2014, and is being updated in 2016.
The top 4 reasons for a visit were:
1. Non-urgent medical care
2. Addictions
3. Mental Health Consult
4. Chronic Disease Management
33 Government of Alberta. (2014). Alberta’s Primary Health
Care Strategy.
40
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
During non-urgent medical care visits,
the nurse practitioner is able to provide
prescriptions and do blood work, which
reduces the need for patients to go to
commercial lab facilities, and increases the
likelihood of test completion for ongoing care.
Bob’s Path to Better Health
Foot Care
Through some temporary housing
challenges Bob met Colleen of People’s
Place. Colleen and her staff advised him
to contact Keith at the Street Clinic to get
some help with his overall health. Bob says,
As we grow older, three out of four Canadians will develop foot problems that require
medical attention. A family nurse provides foot and nail care at the Street Clinic for those
who can’t afford such services. It is available on a walk in or appointment basis. This is
also an opportunity for the nurse to identify and address other health concerns.
“Keith, the nurse practitioner, makes
sure you are thoroughly covered
before you leave. He addressed my
depression, my challenge with a recent
total knee replacement and an ongoing
blood disorder. He really helped me!”
Bob was also referred to a mental health
counsellor, part of the RDPCN. He
checks in with her from time to time. She
is an amazing listener, very intuitively
perceptive and gives me radical honesty.
“I highly value and respect her for
that.” Bob says, “I feel very grateful
and privileged to have met people
like this in my life that really makes a
difference everyday.”
In 2015 – 2016, there were 69 new patients and a total of 461 patient encounters.
Patients return approximately every 6 weeks.
A few quotes from patients who
have received foot care:
“A wonderful service.”
“My feet and nails are much better.”
“I'm happy to come and get my feet
and nails done.”
“I'm more motivated now to take
better care of my feet.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
41
Impacting People with Chronic Disease and
Complex Conditions
The Facts
Chronic diseases are considered the
largest challenge facing our healthcare
system.34 More than any other health
problem, chronic diseases shorten people’s
lives and make their lives more difficult.
Diabetes patients are more likely to have
additional chronic diseases than those with
hypertension or other conditions.35
Chronic Disease in RDPCN:
f 19.4% of RDPCN patients have
a single chronic disease such
as diabetes mellitus or asthma,
and 17.1% have two.
Managing Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
Family Nurse and self-management
This program provides information on medical and lifestyle choices to help manage blood
pressure, blood sugar and/or cholesterol. Learning to better manage chronic disease or
complex conditions can prevent and/or delay complications that can negatively affect
health. Lifestyle practices have consistently been shown to slash rates of chronic disease
and premature death by 80%.36
There were over 1,077 new patients in 2015 – 2016 in the Diabetes,
Hypertension, Navigation, and Complex Care Planning programs.
High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol were the top 3 selfreported chronic conditions for patients seeing the family nurses (Patient
experience surveys).
f 11.4% of patients have
hypertension.
f 4.7% of patients have diabetes.
34 Chowdhury, T. (2014). Chronic disease management and primary care in Alberta. Institute for Public Economics. University
of Alberta.
35 Alberta Health (2015). Diabetes and selected comorbidities. Health Trends. Health System Accountability and Performance,
Surveillance and Assessment Branch.
36 World Health Organization. (2005). Preventing chronic diseases: a vital investment. Geneva: World Health Organization.
42
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Diabetes Diagnosis: A Wake Up Call
“I really need to talk to someone and
she is awesome. She got me on track
with my diet and exercise.”
In October 2015, Emhemmed was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
“I was basically doing every bad habit. I was overweight, not active, not eating well
and smoking.”
With a young family at home, Emhemmed’s diagnosis shocked him into action. He wanted
to take charge of his health but he needed some information to begin. His doctor referred
him to a RDPCN family nurse.
“Working with the nurse, I learned essential information on how exercise and food choices
impact diabetes, I decided I wanted to start an exercise program, so the nurse put me in
touch with the RDPCN recreational therapist. He gave me a starting point for exercise.”
Emhemmed also developed several personal goals: to lose 70 pounds and to be
medication free within a year. He is well on his way to achieving both those goals as he
has already lost 45 pounds by committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
He continues to check in with his RDPCN team to make adjustments and he is thrilled
with his progress. He now describes himself as a new and different man, and he knows
taking charge of his health has far-reaching benefits.
“This disease is part of my family on both sides. I’m trying to plant good habits in
my children so they’ll grow up without the problems I’ve had.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
43
Getting Off the Diet Rollercoaster
Insulin Start
Helen describes herself as someone who has always had a weight issue. Ten
years ago, she was diagnosed with diabetes and she lost a significant amount
of weight successfully lowering her medication. Then life happened. Dealing
with family losses and physical challenges, Helen gained all the weight back.
Insulin Start is a group provided by a family nurse who is
a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). The group provides
information for diabetics on the early management and
administration of both mealtime and long acting insulin.
“I had a double knee replacement and put on quite a few pounds over
a couple years. My doctor was concerned,” says Helen. About a yearand-a-half ago, her doctor referred Helen to support from a RDPCN family
nurse. The nurse began working with Helen to develop a plan.
“I was quite nervous but the first couple meetings were great! We
talked about everything and I felt she really got to know me.”
Helen appreciated the fact that she never felt rushed or pushed into anything
not right for her. She continues to meet regularly with the nurse who
subsequently referred Helen to the RDPCN’s Health Basics, as well as the
RDPCN’s Strong and Steady program.
Today, Helen describes herself as much more aware and active. She has lost
25 pounds in a way she feels is sustainable and she has plans to continue
her weight loss journey.
“I have realized all of this is for me to feel better about myself and my
life. The weight loss is a big benefit but knowing the RDPCN is there
for me is amazing.”
44
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
All patients are encouraged to follow-up with their
family nurse for adjustment to reach target. The PCN
CDE nurse provides consultation support to the family
nurses. AHS also provides a phone support service.
Previously patients were referred to AHS Diabetes
specialty services, but moving it to the primary care
level provided better access and continuity of care,
while freeing up AHS to see more complex patients.
In 2015 – 2016, 70 people attended this group.
Testing Memory
Navigating the System
People often go to see their family doctor when
they are concerned about their memory. The doctor
might refer the patient to the family nurse to carry
out memory testing to help to sort out whether
this is normal aging or whether there is a cognitive
impairment such as dementia. The family nurse
uses 3 screening tests (MoCA, MMSE, SIMARD
MD) to assess changes in memory, reasoning,
perception or functioning. Patients and caregivers
are given resources and navigated to appropriate
community supports.
We help to connect people to some of the excellent resources Alberta has to
offer. It is easy to get lost in the health system today, especially for seniors and
those who find it hard to cope anyway.37
254 patients were seen for cognitive screening.
25 of those patients were connected to First
Link for help with dementia.
Connections to Community Resources –
All Programs 2015 – 2016
“Patients are often nervous about the appointment,
but feel much better after.” – Linda, Family Nurse
“Families are thankful for the referral to
Alzheimer Society’s First Link program.”
– Lori, Family Nurse
“One patient was so proud he remembered to
come to his appointment.” – Julia, Family Nurse
Navigation is the connection of patients to AHS or other community agencies
for services or resources such as financial aid, housing, food and counselling.
Navigation is a critical component of complex care management in chronic
conditions and pregnancy. Patients with chronic conditions and their families have
multiple health and social needs that are not easily handled in a traditional doctor
office visit. The RDPCN family nurses and other health professionals connect
patients with services and follow up to make sure they do not fall through the gaps.
Total Navigations = 1,626
■ Websites/References: 24%
■ AHS Chronic Disease Management: 16%
■ Other: 16%
■ Specialists: 10%
■ Employment/Housing: 8%
■ Canadian Diabetic Association: 5%
■ Addictions and Mental Health: 4%
■ Community Services: 16%
37 Government of Alberta. (2010). Putting people first. Part 1. Recommendations for an Alberta Health Act. Alberta
Health Act Consultation Report.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
45
Assisting with Medication Concerns
The Pharmacy program provides detailed
medication reviews for patients prescribed
five or more medications and makes
recommendations to their doctors
regarding changes, if required. The
pharmacist works with patients and their
doctors to ensure optimal management
of medications with a common goal of
good health.
Pharmacists provide patient education
and practical advice on how to take
medications. This information is key
to ensuring medication compliance.
Pharmacists also provide support to
patients during medication changes,
which can be challenging in patients
with multiple health issues.
Pharmacists complete medication
reconciliation after hospital discharge and
where multiple prescribers are involved.
This is very helpful to patients who may
be overwhelmed by long medication lists.
46
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
In 2015 – 2016:
f 157 patients were seen by a
pharmacist.
f 27% of patients were on more
than 10 medications per day in
a 2015 survey.
f Top four chronic conditions for
patients seen by pharmacist:
f arthritis
f chronic pain
f depression/anxiety
f high blood pressure
“I went from not being able to move or
function for days due to my pain to
managing and knowing how to prepare
for flare ups. The pharmacist listened
and was able to dispel my fear of
taking meds.”
Pharmacists Can Help Patients Sort Out Side Effects
Our pharmacists have helped many patients cope with medication side effects. Many patients do
not realize they are having side effects. Narcotic pain medications like codeine and morphine are
commonly used for chronic pain. Over time, as doses increase, people may experience side effects
that they didn’t notice at lower doses. For example, some people report muscle twitches or spasms
and increased sweating while taking these medications. In some cases, because the side effect did
not occur at a lower dose, the connection between the symptoms and the medication is not made.
Managing the symptoms can involve changing a medication or dose, changing the time of day the
medication is taken, and sometimes it simply requires reassurance that the symptoms are not unusual.
Education for RDPCN
Physicians
The pharmacists provided 9
unbiased, up-to-date, evidencebased education sessions to RDPCN
physicians, which were compiled by
one of the leading evidence-based
medicine physicians in Canada,
Dr. Mike Allan, and his team.
Some medications can result in weight gain. The pharmacists educate patients on being proactive
with lifestyle measures when starting these medications so that weight gain is minimized or prevented.
The pharmacists also work with patients to ensure that non-drug strategies are implemented in
the best possible way for each individual patient. This can complement drug therapy, and can
reduce the need for medication in some cases.
“Considering I was unaware of this program prior to my referral, I was very impressed
with the thorough assessment and time given for the appointment.
Very knowledgeable and evidence based. Great!”
“Jordan was excellent. She listened well and explained things very clearly.”
“Explained the different medications for osteoporosis, method of taking medication and
effectiveness to decrease chance of fractures. She was awesome.”
“Offered sound advice and positive attitude to show me a plan for success.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
47
Living Well with Chronic Pain
The Facts
Living with chronic pain is one of the most challenging
experiences many people will ever face. The mental, physical and
emotional impact of this can be overwhelming and defeating.
Moving on With Chronic Pain
The RDPCN piloted a two day workshop on Chronic Pain,
combined with a web of care approach to supporting individuals
with chronic pain. This multi-disciplinary approach was aimed
at meeting the diverse needs of this population. As a result of
participant and service provider feedback, this program was
expanded to an 8 week group, Moving on with Chronic Pain,
in 2016. This new format allows more consistent support and
opportunities to practice the skills learned. Training includes
pacing daily activities to improve stamina and energy while
preventing flare ups, exploring the mind-body connection through
engaging activities, and facing challenges to change lifestyle
factors that impact pain.
f 11 staff including pharmacists, kinesiologists, nurses,
psychologists, a nurse practitioner, and a dietitian worked on
the development of the program.
f The 8 week program was launched on May 12, 2016.
48
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Chronic Pain Pilot Program 2015 – 2016:
f 19 people participated in the pilot program.
f Participants reported slight changes in pain
intensity, but clinically significant change (30%
change or greater from pre to post scores) in how
much pain interferes with general activity, ability
to walk or to work, mood, relationships, sleep and
enjoyment with life.
A focus group and patient interviews provided feedback on the
pilot and the redesign of the program.
Hospice Rounds
Some of comments from focus
group and interview participants:
Family doctors and RDPCN pharmacists are integrated into the weekly rounds at the Red Deer
Hospice. Rounds are the weekly meeting at the hospice where the Hospice Care Team reviews
palliative patients’ care plans. 2015 – 2016 was the second year of this valuable program.
“One of the best things was the availability
of the opportunity to meet with other
(PCN health care) professionals.”
In 2015 – 2016
“It was encouraging that there was
something being offered. That
chronic pain is finally being recognized
as something that a lot of people
deal with and don’t know where
to turn.… For someone like myself,
it was comforting that there was
actually some place that was actually
recognizing chronic pain for what it
is and trying to address it and trying
to get feedback from those who are
walking that path.”
9 RDPCN doctors and 1 RDPCN pharmacist participated in this program.
“Interdisciplinary rounds, simply put, allow us to provide better patient care.
Our team is more complete with the physician, pharmacist and home care nurse.”
– Hospice Staff Member
“These rounds allow me to learn more about the patients. A variety of practitioners
attend rounds so I learn about the patient’s family circumstances and other factors
impacting their comfort. This gives a more complete picture of the patient’s situation
and needs.” – RDPCN Doctor
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
49
Impacting Pregnancy and Babies
The Facts
Pregnancy and Babies Program
The health and wellbeing of the
mother during pregnancy and
postpartum directly impacts the
long term health of her child.
2015 – 2016 was a year of transition for the P&B program. With six physicians no longer providing
obstetrical care, and a growing population in the PCN, the program is presently being reviewed to ensure
that the prenatal and postpartum services continue to support our physicians and are available to the
women, their infants, children and families when they need it. The year started with three nurses and
ended with two nurses providing services. The program was initially co-located, but it was increasingly
difficult to match supply and demand, especially when patients were booked all through the week and
there was not always enough room in clinics to accommodate the nurses. A centralized pilot program
in January had patients filling out needs assessment and then seeing the nurses in a central office.
There were 1,898 births in
Red Deer in 2015. This is
up 8% from 1,743 in the
previous year.
22 RDPCN Family Doctors
deliver babies. This is down
from 28 the previous year.
Pregnant women without a family
doctor can find one through the
RDPCN website where clinics
accepting obstetrical patients
are listed. Connecting to a family
doctor is important for consistent
prenatal care.
A 2015 – 2016 survey of prenatal patients in RDPCN found that:
f Patients are looking for information and support on labour and delivery, as well
as how to have a healthy pregnancy by exercising and eating right.
f Prenatal patients get information from the internet or from family and friends, but
appreciate the support and education by the Pregnancy and Babies nurses. The
nurses are able to assist those in particular who experience issues with stress from
work or school, have financial concerns, or do not have family support.
There were 367 patient visits with nurses in the
Pregnancy and Babies program in 2015 – 2016.
“She was excellent, has been helping us to have a
healthy pregnancy period.”
“She gave me better information on what I should
be doing and eating.”
50
RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Communicating with Our Patients
Learning About Our Programs
1 on 1
RDPCN Website
Patients can learn about our programs from their doctors
and other health care providers. People also recommend
our programs such as Happiness Basics to their friends
and family.
Information about all RDPCN
programs is available on the website.
Pamphlets and Posters
Pamphlets available in doctors’ offices explain programs.
Posters in doctors’ exam rooms and waiting rooms list
all the RDPCN programs. This encourages patients to
ask about programs they may be interested in.
reddeerpcn.com
Educational Television
in 10 Doctors’ Offices
Televisions with Health Unlimited
Television programing in clinic
waiting rooms engage patients
while they wait. The programing
includes a variety of health topics
as well as information on RPDCN
programs and activities such as the
trek and upcoming Health Cafés.
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'U7RQ\:LOOLDPV
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Your Family Doctor is a member of the Red Deer
Primary Care Network (RDPCN). This means you are
part of the RDPCN, and these Programs are for You.
5(6($5&+
Shows…
One-on-One in your Doctor’s Office
Programs
Your Family Doctor is a member of
the Red Deer Primary Care Network
(RDPCN). This means you are a part
of the RDPCN, and these Programs
are for You.
In the RDPCN, local family doctors work
with other health professionals and Alberta
Health Services to coordinate the delivery of
primary health services for their patients.
If you need help with
Program
Description
Mental Health Concerns
Mental Health
Counsellor
Brief therapy on effective ways to cope with prolonged stress, relationship issues, grief and loss
and maintaining mental health. Find solutions that are right for you and build on your strengths.
Quitting Smoking or
other tobacco products
Family Nurse
Individual support to help you to reduce tobacco use or be tobacco free.
Diabetes, High Blood
Pressure, Cholesterol
Family Nurse
Individualized support to help you manage your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Housing, Finances or
Meals
Family Nurse
Help with finding community agencies that best support your needs or concerns such as
housing, finances or meals.
Pregnancy and Babies
Family Nurse
An opportunity to meet with a registered nurse to discuss your questions and concerns. Learn
about having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Identifying your interests
and getting active
Recreation
Therapist
Receive education and support to get active in your home and in the community.
Medication Concerns
Pharmacist
The pharmacist will review your medications, explain how they work, and answer your questions.
The pharmacist will also provide recommendations to your family doctor.
Memory Concerns
Family Nurse
Nail Care
Family Nurse
Basic toenail trimming for those with chronic conditions, and/or limited financial resources.
If you need help with
Group
Description
Sleep
Sleep
This program is for you if poor sleep is affecting your quality of life; you have a persistent
inability to get to sleep, stay asleep or experience refreshing sleep. 1 hour group information
session and 6 week online program.
Choosing healthy living,
losing weight and
becoming more active
Health Basics
Health Basics is an action based program where you will practice making small steps that lead
to big changes. You will learn simple and effective skills to make positive lifestyle choices. The
program holistically includes mindset, activity and nutrition.
Being Happier
Happiness
Basics
A group for people who want to be happier. Learn skills to make positive changes in your
thoughts, actions, relationships and health, and create more happiness for yourself. Learn what
happy people do, how they think, and purposefully create happiness for themselves.
Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety to Calm
This group may be for you if anxiety has stopped you from doing your usual activities and living
your best life. Learn skills to find calm, challenge yourself and live well.
Relationships
Relationships in
Motion
This group may be for you if you are ready to improve relationships in your life. This includes
personal, work and family relationships. Learn relationship skills and strategies through
education, new experiences and new perspectives.
Grief
Journeying
Through Grief
For those who have experienced a loss (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss) and would like
to work through it in a safe and supportive group environment. You will learn skills to cope more
effectively with your loss.
Chronic Pain
Moving on with
Chronic Pain
A group that will provide skills to better manage your pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Learn to focus on your life rather than your pain.
Becoming steadier on
your feet
Strong & Steady
Managing Insulin
Managing Insulin
Learn how different types of insulin work, how to manage insulin and tips on the proper way to
give insulin.
If you need help with
Program
Description
Mental Health Crisis
Police & Crisis
Team
403.406.2505
Red Deer’s Police and Crisis Team is a two person outreach team of a Registered Psychiatric Nurse
(RPN) and a RCMP Officer. The team responds to calls involving individuals/families experiencing a
mental health, addiction, or psychosocial crisis, especially when danger to themselves or the public
is present. PACT helps people in time of crisis. It connects them with resources for the longer term.
PACT follows up to see that people are doing okay and connected to resources.
Screening for significant changes in memory, reasoning, perception or ability to perform tasks.
Groups to Empower You
A group for older people who want to become more active, stronger and steadier on their feet.
You will learn 10 exercises to increase your strength, flexibility and balance.
Other Services
March 2016
Speak to your family doctor, visit www.reddeerpcn.com
or call 403.343.9100 for details about any of these programs.
In the RDPCN, local family doctors work with other health professionals and Alberta
Health Services to coordinate the delivery of primary health services for their patients.
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
51
Our Patients’ Experiences
Continuous improvement is an important part of Red Deer Primary Care Network and patient feedback about our services and programs is
highly valued. The results of a patient survey on the services they received from our PCN providers:
f 186 patients provided feedback.
f 90% of patients receiving a survey completed it.
f 92% stated that RDPCN staff responded to their individual needs and concerns, provided them with the advice
and information for making lifestyle changes and managing their chronic diseases, involved them in decisions
about their health, and assisted them in making action plans.
f 99% found time spent with an RDPCN provider was very or somewhat helpful.
f Patients who saw a mental health counsellor had a 57% decrease in distress levels after seeing the counsellor.
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RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
What Our Patients Told Us:
“Listened to me. Showed she cared about me. Always helped me to know how to care for myself.”
“Spend a lot of time going over what I take and made useful recommendations that simplify my life and finances.”
“Believed in me, helped me out with equipment I have.”
“(The counsellor) made me feel accepted, that I was normal and provided a safe place for me.”
What the Doctors Told Us About Their Patients’ Experiences
“(The Provider) is so wonderful. I wish I got to work with her more.”
“The response from patients has been positive and many have received significant benefit.”
“Excellent resource! (The Provider) is very thorough and goes the extra mile to help my patients and to outline her
recommendations in detail.”
“Excellent resource for getting patients going. I send him some of my most challenging and he has helped get them
engaged in change.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
53
Attaching to a Family Doctor
RDPCN Website
Long Term Care Facility Attachment
People can go to the RDPCN Website to see which doctors are
accepting new patients. They can also find the clinics and hours
for walk-in clinics.
A Long Term Care Patient Management Strategy was implemented
in the fall of 2015 with nine doctors participating. This strategy
allocated one designated doctor per unit at the Bethany Care
and Extendicare long term care facilities. Attending doctors for
residents of these facilities had the choice to keep their patients
or ask their patient if they would agree to a transfer care to the
designated doctor. All unattached patients to these units became
the responsibility of the designated doctor.
In 2015 – 2016:
f RDPCN has a user friendly website that informs
people of the various programs and activities of
the RDPCN.
f Find a Family Doctor had nearly 11,000 hits.
f Walk in Clinics had approximately 27,500 hits.
f The website had approximately 118,000 hits this year.
Attachment Lists
Attachment Lists were available for people with Complicated
Mental Health disorders or requiring Palliative care. They ensure
that these people have a dedicated family doctor.
About 125 patients were attached in the past year
through this process.
The benefits of this are:
f One attending doctor per designated number of residents.
f Improve knowledge of resident conditions by working with a
team of healthcare providers.
f Phone consultations more concise as staff develop comfort
level with individual doctor practice.
f Enhanced awareness through exposure to resident
conditions and progress.
f Efficient use of time as overall geographical footprint decreased.
“Getting to the family case conferences has been very helpful.
It is enlightening to hear about the accomplishments of the
patient from their family and other members of the team.”
– Dr. Jim McIntyre, RDPCN Family Physician
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RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
Evaluation Tools Used
RDPCN incorporates evaluation into each program to be able
to understand the impact on patients, and for continuous
improvement. Validated instruments such as those listed below
allow us to compare our results to others.
Burns Anxiety Inventory
SF12-v2®
Burns Relationship Satisfaction Test®
The SF12-v2® is a Health Quality of Life survey utilized to assess
health and wellbeing, including physical and mental health.38
It has been used for evaluation in a variety of programs in the
RDPCN and is currently employed in the Happiness Basics and
Recreation Therapy programs.
This is a tool based on seven relationship indicators which
measure a person’s relationship satisfaction.42 It is used in the
Relationships That Work program.
Social Return on Investment (SROI)
SROI is a tool that measures the social, environmental and
economic value of an activity or program.39 It calculates the cost
savings for avoiding higher cost systems such as the emergency
department, hospital inpatient, and justice system. It is used in
the Street Clinic and PACT programs.
A 33 question tool that assesses anxious feelings, thoughts and
physical symptoms. It is used in the Anxiety to Calm programs.41
RDPCN also designs evaluation surveys or tools that are tailored
to our programs and services. An example is the Happiness Scale
described below. Other methods of collecting feedback include
general program evaluations that are completed in each program,
patient experience surveys with RDPCN services, and surveys to
gather feedback from physicians. Focus groups and interviews are
additional methods that are employed.
Happiness Scale
Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form)
This instrument is used in the Happiness Basics Program.
Patients determine their level of happiness on a scale of -10 to
+10 at the beginning and at the end of the program.
A 15 question inventory that is completed by a patient at the
beginning and end of the Chronic Pain Program to assess change
in pain location, intensity and interference with daily activities,
sleep, relationships, mood and enjoyment of life.40
38 SF-12v2™ Health Survey © 1994, 2002 by QualityMetric Incorporated and Medical
Outcomes Trust.
39 SROI Canada Network 2011
40 Cleeland, C. (1991). Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form). Pain Research Group.
41 David Burns (1993), Ten Days to Self-Esteem, New York, NY, Harper Collins.
42 Ibid
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
55
Connecting with the RDPCN
If you are looking for a family doctor
f Go to our website to see the list of
family doctors: reddeerpcn.com
If you are a patient of an RDPCN
family doctor and would like to get
connected with our programs
f Ask your family doctor for a referral
If you would like more information
about RDPCN programs:
f Go to our website: reddeerpcn.com
f Pick up a RDPCN pamphlet at your
doctor’s office
f Read the RDPCN poster at your
doctor’s office
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RED DEER PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
The RDPCN archway is available
for use at community events. It was
lent out 8 times in 2015 – 2016 to
support community events. To book
the archway:
f Go to our website: reddeerpcn.com
f Call us at 403.343.9100
If you would like to give us feedback
or ideas you can:
f Go to our website: reddeerpcn.com
and clink the About Us link. Then
click the Contact Us link where you
will find an electronic feedback form.
f Call Lorna Milkovich, Executive
Director at 403.343.9100
f Email us at [email protected]
f Visit us at 5120 – 47 Street, Red Deer
Billboards in the Past Year
Community Billboards have been located throughout the City of Red Deer over the past year to share messages of success and promote RDPCN.
2016
My Year of Change
Ask Your Family Doctor reddeerpcn.com
Prescriptiо
to get active!
Ask your Family Doctor rdpcn.com
www.reddeerpcn.com