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Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy 2006/07 Report

Health Canada
2007
ISBN: 978-0-662-46173-9
Cat. No.: H1-9/19-2007E-PDF

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

Portable Document Format(PDF Version - 938 K)

Accomplishments and New Projects

The 2006/07 report describes the key initiatives of the Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy and outlines the important progress that was made during the 2006/07 fiscal year.

Table of Contents

See also Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy - Ongoing Projects in 2006/07.

Introduction

At the heart of any health care system are the people who deliver care - health human resources (HHR). Canada's health care providers are a part of a constantly evolving health care landscape in which factors such as an aging population and workforce, new technologies, and health care reforms play an ever increasing role.

The medical system's ability to provide access to high quality, effective, patient-centred and safe health services depends on HHR and on having the right mix of health care providers with the right skills in the right place at the right time.

With respect to HHR, Canada faces a number of challenges in terms of supply, mix, distribution, retention, recruitment and training.

The Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy (HHRS) seeks to respond to the 2004 Health Accord commitments, signed by Canada's First Ministers, to secure and maintain a stable and optimal health workforce in Canada while also supporting overall health care renewal.

The HHRS is comprised of three initiatives:

  • Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Planning
  • Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice
  • Recruitment and Retention of Health Care Providers/Professionals

Health Canada continues to work collaboratively with provincial/territorial (P/T) governments, professional associations and other federal departments to advance the HHRS.

Many projects described within this report are being implemented through contribution agreements between Health Canada and various recipients. Health Canada provides funding to recipients (i.e. external organizations and P/Ts) to accomplish work which furthers the objectives of the Strategy.

2000 Accord on Health Care Renewal:

First Ministers identify HHR as a P/T priority.

2003 Accord on Health Care Renewal:

First Ministers reaffirm HHR as an F/P/T priority and the federal government allocates $85M to HHR Renewal. Ongoing funding of $20M annually for the Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy.

2004 Meeting on the Future of Health Care:

First Ministers commit $5.5B over 10 years to wait times reduction, including ongoing collaborative work on HHR.

Budget 2005:

Government of Canada provides $75M in funding over 5 years for the Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiative.

In 2006/07

Number of new projects: 26

Funding allocated: $29,775,904

This report details all new projects funded during the 2006/07 fiscal year. The CD-ROM included with

the paper version of this report, entitled Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy Ongoing Projects in 2006/07, highlights projects funded during the 2005/06 fiscal year that are still ongoing, as well as project amendments that were made during the 2006/07 fiscal year.

The Initiatives of the Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy

Pan-Canadian HHR Planning

Background

In the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, the federal, provincial and territorial (F/P/T) governments made a commitment to work together to improve health human resources (HHR) planning.

As a result of this commitment, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health requested that the Advisory Committee on Health Delivery and Human Resources (ACHDHR) develop A Framework for Collaborative Pan-Canadian Health Human Resources Planning. * The focus of the ACHDHR's work is to ensure Canada has the HHR to support the health system of the future.

A new pan-Canadian approach to HHR planning (as opposed to relying primarily on past utilization trends) will enable provincial and territorial jurisdictions to determine more accurately their HHR requirements based on system design and population health, which will lead to more responsive health systems.

The Pan-Canadian HHR Planning Initiative seeks to address collaborative planning issues by achieving the following objectives:

  • Enhance and strengthen the evidence base and capacity for coordinated HHR planning to better support F/P/T, jurisdictional and nationwide activities; and
  • Create a culture in which key HHR issues of jurisdictional, inter-jurisdictional and pan-Canadian concern can be identified and addressed.

* The Province of Quebec considers health human resources planning its exclusive provincial responsibility. It did not participate in the development of the Framework nor does it intend to participate in a pan-Canadian strategy for collaborative health human resource planning. However, Quebec remains open to sharing information and best practices with other jurisdictions.

Accomplishments

In 2006-2007, the following was accomplished through HHR Planning:

  • Health Canada contributed to the National Physician Survey 2007, a joint venture by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the Canadian Institute for Health Information, to collect valuable physician information not found in any other source (e.g. working hours, locations of practice, types of services offered in different practice settings, and use of emerging technology).
  • In February 2007, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada hosted a workshop titled Building an HHR Research and Knowledge Translation and Exchange Agenda. Policy-makers and researchers discussed HHR research, knowledge translation, and exchanged priorities and ways to coordinate efforts to advance in these areas.
  • In February 2007, under the direction of the HHR Planning Subcommittee of the ACHDHR, government representatives, researchers, data collectors, modellers, and planners met and discussed ways to exchange knowledge, to address data and modelling issues in HHR management, and to assess the supply of and requirements for the health workforce.

The HHR Planning Initiative funds two projects that are referenced as priority activities under the Pan-Canadian HHR Planning Framework:

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Health Human Resources Databases Development Project (HHR-DDP)

To develop national, supply-based databases and reporting systems for five regulated health professions: Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Medical Laboratory Technologists, and Medical Radiation Technologists.

Health Cross-Jurisdictional Labour Relations Database (HCJDB)

To permit partnering jurisdictions access to nationwide information regarding health sector labour agreements, including compensation.

For further information on these projects, refer to Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Strategy 2006/07 Report Ongoing Projects.

The Framework for Collaborative Pan-Canadian HHR Planning

Background

The first edition of the Framework was approved by F/P/T ministers of Health in October 2005. The Action Plan contained within the Framework identifies priorities for joint action and sets out tangible objectives and specific actions that jurisdictions and stakeholders can achieve together to create a more stable and effective health workforce.

The Pan-Canadian Framework remains in constant evolution, being continually adapted to respond to the needs and input of stakeholders. Between the spring and fall of 2006, stakeholders, including ministries of Education, research entities, national Aboriginal groups, health sector organizations, health professional associations, and professional regulatory bodies, were consulted on the goals, objectives and activities listed within the Framework and Action Plan. This engagement process has strengthened the commitment of governments and stakeholders to work together in addressing HHR challenges.

The federal government, in consultation with its provincial and territorial partners and key stakeholders, will be using the Action Plan of the Framework as its guiding document for setting out future plans and priorities under the Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy.

Accomplishments

In 2006/07, the ACHDHR made progress by further defining the Framework and articulating the Action Plan within the Framework through the following initiatives:

  • The ACHDHR's Subcommittee on Entry-to-Practice Credentials (CCETPC) reviewed and provided advice on two credential submissions from professional health organizations. The goal is to assist P/T governments in ensuring that changes in entry-to-practice education credentials consider the impact on health human resource planning and the implications for professional legislation and regulation, labour mobility, supply, changing models of service delivery, public policy, compensation and educational costs.
  • In December 2006, a one-day workshop on research priorities was held to better understand the consequences of increasing the entry-to-practice requirements.
  • An engagement process on the Action Plan of the Pan-Canadian Collaborative Framework for Health Human Resource Planning was completed with key stakeholders in October 2006. This included a one-day workshop to discuss the contribution and the involvement of stakeholders in the implementation of the Action Plan.
  • The Physician Subcommittee of the ACHDHR reviewed alternative payment plans for physicians in Canada and the impact on patient satisfaction and physician productivity.

Pan-Canadian Framework Activities

The HHR Planning Framework and Action Plan was revised based on online stakeholders in the spring of 2006.

The HHR Planning Framework Stakeholder Engagement Consultation Workshop took place in October 2006.

Upcoming discussions of Pan-Canadian HHR priority objectives from the Action Plan at regional and national stakeholder levels will take place during the spring and summer of 2007.

Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice (IECPCP)

Background

Recent trends towards interprofessional team-based care suggest that the roles and responsibilities of various health care providers are changing.

Changing the way we educate health care providers is key to achieving system change and to ensuring that health care providers have the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively in interprofessional teams within the evolving health care system.

The objective of the IECPCP Initiative of the Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy is to facilitate the adoption of these approaches across all health care sectors. The goals are to increase patient and provider satisfaction and ultimately, to improve patient care.

The IECPCP Initiative began in 2003 with the following objectives:

  • Promote and demonstrate the benefits of interprofessional education for collaborative patient-centred practice;
  • Increase the number of educators prepared to teach from an interprofessional collaborative patient-centred perspective;
  • Increase the number of health professionals trained for patient-centred collaborative practice before, and after, entry-to-practice;
  • Stimulate networking and sharing of best educational approaches for collaborative patient-centred practice; and
  • Facilitate interprofessional collaborative care in both the education and practice settings.

Accomplishments

In partnership with provinces, territories, academic institutions and clinical settings, the IECPCP Initiative made progress during 2006/07. Knowledge generation and dissemination were once again key areas of focus for the Initiative, as well as future planning and sustainability.

The following key activities illustrate the advancements made in facilitating the adoption of IECPCP across the country:

  • Nine new learning projects located across Canada received funding in spring 2006. These Cycle Two learning projects will help advance the IECPCP agenda in education and practice settings.
  • A new complementary project received funding to establish the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) in the summer of 2006. The CIHC is the focal point for best practices identification, dissemination, and knowledge translation in the area of IECPCP. This project will integrate knowledge from all of the IECPCP projects and activities funded by Health Canada and will result in a Pan-Canadian collaborative of IECPCP partners.
  • On November 26, 2006, the CIHC held a workshop called Working Together on Research, to discuss measures suitable for research into IECPCP. The CIHC also held its inaugural meeting in Toronto on November 27 and 28, 2006.
  • The CIHC actively supports the work of the National Health Sciences Students' Association (NaHSSA), a diverse network of 17 university and college-based student chapters dedicated to advancing the IECPCP agenda within the health and human service student population. The third Annual NaHSSA Conference was held at the University of Saskatoon and provided student leaders the chance to meet and share ideas, discuss future directions and collaborate on national projects.
  • Health Canada staff visited four Cycle One learning projects in 2006/07. These site visits provided an opportunity to share information and gain a greater understanding of project activities, successes, and lessons learned. Projects were visited in Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, meetings were held with project leads, and representatives from the provincial ministries of Education and of Health in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia to discuss project sustainability. Lessons learned from these visits will be shared with other projects through the CIHC, and will also be used to inform years 6 to 10 of the IECPCP Initiative.
  • Several jurisdictions in Cycle One held provincial meetings during the year. British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador held consultations, providing an opportunity for key stakeholders and interested parties to share expertise and knowledge and to talk about the future of IECPCP for their respective provinces. These meetings demonstrate how all levels of government are working together to make IECPCP a viable and sustainable option for learners and practitioners across the country.
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Recruitment and Retention (R&R)

Background

As the health workforce continues to age and the population becomes increasingly diverse, demand for health care increases and the need to appropriately recruit and retain health care providers becomes essential. R&R aims to increase the supply of health professionals and to revitalize the current and future health care workforce by:

  • Increasing interest in health careers, both generally and in specific areas of shortage;
  • Increasing diversity of health care providers to reflect the Canadian mosaic;
  • Increasing the supply of health care providers to ensure availability, when and where needed;
  • Reducing barriers for internationally educated health care providers;
  • Improving utilization and distribution of existing health care providers; and
  • Making current workplace environments healthier for health care workers, thus supporting the provision of high-quality care.

Accomplishments

The success of the Recruitment and Retention Initiative is tied to the complementary efforts of the provinces and territories, appropriate health stakeholders, health care professionals, and various federal departments. In 2006/07, a number of collaborative projects were carried out:

  • Project areas included an increase of support for family physicians in primary care, promotional strategies to enhance the image of family medicine, and a conference on the medical workforce in changing health care delivery systems.
  • With the participation of family physician leaders in primary care, the Primary Care Toolkit was developed to ensure evolving family practice models of care meet the professional needs of doctors while also contributing to best practices.
  • In order to enhance the image of family medicine among medical students, the College of Family Physicians of Canada created Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs), which provide opportunities for dialogue and interaction among medical students, family doctors and the faculties of family medicine during the undergraduate years. The FMIGs invite family physicians who practice in large and small communities along with family medicine residents, teachers and researchers to meet regularly with medical students in informal settings to answer questions, take part in discussions and share information about family practice careers.

2007 International Medical Workforce Collaborative

In March 2007, Canada hosted an international conference of leaders in HHR research and policy from the UK, US, Australia and Canada. Participants examined the medical workforce in changing health care delivery systems. Within the overarching theme of Interprofessionalism, the conference examined the impact of physicians' roles and function on health outcomes in chronic disease management including timely access to diagnosis, treatment and continuing care. Other themes included: management and leadership functions of physicians during system change and how this affects timely delivery of services; service to remote, rural and isolated communities including minorities; and the impact of recruitment and retirement on the overall ability to respond to the provision of timely care.

  • In September 2006, the Six Organizations to Advance the Renewal of Family Medicine (SOAR) Colloquium was held in Toronto. Six countries convened to share experiences and ideas to promote the renewal and transformation of family medicine. Representatives from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States discussed a variety of themes including: practice models; remuneration strategies; interdisciplinary training and practice; comprehensive continuing care and specialized family practice services, including approaches to public health and chronic disease management; and the deployment of family physicians and other health human resources.

Healthy Workplace Initiative (HWI)

Background

The HWI is a major component of the R&R Initiative under the Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy, and its accomplishments fall into one of four areas: the leading of practice application, knowledge generation, change management, and knowledge translation and transfer.

Accomplishments

Leading Practice Application:

  • Eleven provincial projects and four national projects were funded through the HWI. Significant progress was made by both the provincial and national projects, which continued to show that healthy workplace interventions make a difference to the health and well-being of front-line workers. Projects collected data that demonstrated reductions in absenteeism and injury among health care workers as well as their related costs.
  • Eleven HWI projects were amended during the fourth quarter of the year in an effort to capitalize on promising initiatives. Amended activities include: investments in Prince Edward Island to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury; a contribution to the Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Newfoundland and Labrador; and the extension of the Halton Healthcare's Kailo program to Georgetown, Ontario.

Knowledge Generation:

  • On March 8, 2007, a workshop of 50 interprofessional researchers, decision makers, employers and union representatives met to explore the development of the National Survey on the Work and Health of Nurses (NSWHN) Research/Analytical Framework. The Framework will ensure that data from the NSWHN is used by researchers and decision-makers, and will articulate potential plans for an interprofessional survey on the work and health of Canada's health providers in the future.
  • A special edition of Healthcare Papers was published in partnership with the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Victorian Order of Nurses Canada. The publication features articles on healthy workplaces for health workers and provides examples of effective teamwork in health care along with a series of commentary articles.

National Survey on the Work and Health of Nurses

Released on December 11, 2006, this national survey was done in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and Statistics Canada. It is the first nationally representative study of Canada's three categories of regulated nurses (Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses). The study provides a benchmark against which to measure progress in the area of quality work environments for nurses.

  • Five HWI research studies were completed and released by Health Canada's Health Policy Research Program in 2006/07. Each of the research reports outlines relevant information to ensure that the evidence base for healthy workplaces is used by decision-makers.
  • The 13th edition of Health Canada's Healthy Policy Research Bulletin, entitled The Working Conditions of Nurses: Confronting the Challenges, was published and distributed in 2006/07. The Bulletin's final article underlines the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in moving toward healthy working conditions for Canada's health care providers.

Change Management:

  • The Quality Worklife-Quality Healthcare Collaborative is the cornerstone of the HWI change-management strategy. The Collaborative made great strides this year, including the National Summit in December 2006, and the release of its Quality Healthcare Action Strategy. The Collaborative's mandate has been extended by one year in an effort to consolidate the gains made to date and to provide a vehicle for disseminating learnings throughout the HWI.

Knowledge Translation and Transfer:

  • The second annual HWI Knowledge Exchange Days were held in November 2006. The projects funded through HWI and the Health Policy Research Program provided a unique opportunity to share lessons-to-date. The Quality Worklife-Quality Healthcare Collaborative hosted the exchange days. As a result of the Knowledge Exchange Days, a virtual network of Canada's Healthy Workplace Champions was created, and it continues to facilitate communication and the exchange of information.

Aboriginal HHR Work

Background

Health Canada has formed a unique relationship with First Nations and Inuit communities by working closely with them to enhance their health services and improve health outcomes. This is an ongoing commitment of the federal government, resulting from a series of reports and commissions on Aboriginal health, including Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal Action, Building on Values: The Future of Health Care in Canada and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) works to ensure that First Nations and Inuit health care needs are addressed and, where possible, integrated into larger pan-Canadian strategies.

FNIHB is directly responsible for implementing the Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy from a First Nations and Inuit perspective and seeks to accomplish the following goals:

  • Ensure that the current and future supply, mix and distribution of First Nations and Inuit HHR are optimized and respond to the needs of First Nations and Inuit through a coordinated approach to HHR planning;
  • Achieve and maintain an adequate supply of qualified health care providers who are appropriately educated, distributed, deployed and supported, to ensure culturally appropriate and safe health care services are available to First Nations and Inuit;
  • Increase the number of First Nations and Inuit entering into health careers, and the number of health care providers working in First Nations and Inuit communities;
  • Ensure that First Nations and Inuit HHR data collection is ongoing, coordinated and systemic, and that the process involves First Nations and Inuit organizations; and
  • Promote interprofessional education for health care workers and collaborative patient-centred practice that addresses the holistic health care needs of First Nations and Inuit. This is intended to increase client satisfaction and ultimately, to improve patient outcomes.

Accomplishments

Examples of accomplishments in the area of Aboriginal Health Human Resources in 2006/07 include:

  • A final draft report on Core Competencies for Wellness and Primary Health Care Providers for First Nations and Inuit Community Health Representatives.
  • A framework of core competencies to support Faculties of Medicine in developing and teaching Aboriginal health curricula in medical schools.
  • A report on issues and recommendations for inclusion of Aboriginal indicators in the National Minimum Data Set for collection of data on Aboriginal health providers.
  • A forum on Aboriginal HHR based on Saskatchewan's innovative approaches to recruiting and retaining Aboriginal health providers.
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Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiative (IEHPI)

Background

Canada faces shortages of doctors, nurses and other health professionals. At the same time, there are many internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) who live in Canada but have been unable to practice in their chosen profession.

Through the IEHPI, Health Canada continues to work with provinces, territories and stakeholders to enable more IEHPs to put their skills to work in Canada's health system. This will help address shortages of health professionals and assist efforts to reduce wait times for care.

The IEHPI is currently focusing on seven professions which include: medicine, nursing, medical laboratory science, medical radiation technology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Accomplishments

National and regional approaches that maximize the resources available, combined with a high level of engagement by stakeholders, have contributed significantly to the success of the initiative to date.

Key achievements in 2006/2007 include:

  • New centres and services for IEHPs are being developed in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Services provided will respond to the need for front-end information, counselling and referral by IEHPs so that they can quickly access the supports they need. The Ontario Centre, launched in December 2006, received more than 100 calls within the first week of opening.
  • Specialized employment coaching services for IEHPs in Nova Scotia resulted in over 200 counselling sessions in 2006.
  • A number of innovative bridging programs were launched, allowing individuals who are currently under-employed within their profession to optimize their full skill set within the health sector.
  • Led by the University of Toronto's Faculty of Pharmacy, a collaborative between seven health professions and a number of P/Ts launched the first phase of a multiprofessional program designed to provide IEHPs with an orientation to the Canadian health care system.
  • The Internationally Educated Nurses Taskforce, created in 2004 to help find solutions to the issues being faced by internationally educated nurses in Canada, continues its work on areas identified for development, including a common information source, education, assessment and bridging, and data management, including the concept of a personal identification number. Additionally, many P/Ts and pan-Canadian initiatives funded through the IEHPI will also address these issues.

IEHPI Strategic Outcomes:

Preparedness and Integration

IEHPs will be aware of the route to practice for their given profession

IEHPs will be oriented to the Canadian health care system

IEHPs can self-assess their readiness to complete exams

Assessment

Credentials are verified and IEHPs have access to licensure assessments and examinations

Faculty Development

Faculty, clinical instructors and community-based preceptors are trained and available to provide assessments and clinical training for IEHPs

Clinical Placement

IEHPs have access to clinical placements and upgrading programs

Integration - Employment

IEHPs are able to integrate into the health workforce

Regional Collaboration

Jurisdictions collaborate to maximize impact of investments

International Medical Graduate (IMG) Initiatives

Background

Prior to the creation of the IEHPI in 2005, efforts were already underway to reduce barriers to licensure for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). In the summer of 2002, the creation of the Canadian Taskforce on Licensure of IMGs was a key step in addressing the issues faced by IMGs in Canada.

The Task Force made six recommendations which were endorsed by the F/P/T ministers of Health in February 2004. The recommendations included the following:

  • Increase capacity to assess and prepare IMGs for licensure.
  • Work towards standardization of licensure requirements.
  • Expand or develop support/programs to assist IMGs with the licensure process and requirements in Canada.
  • Develop orientation programs to support faculty and physicians working with IMGs.
  • Develop capacity to track and recruit IMGs.
  • Develop a national research agenda, including evaluation of the IMG strategy.

Accomplishments

Initiatives to address the recommendations of the IMG Task Force have either been fully implemented or are nearing full implementation. An evaluation of these activities began in November 2005, and will span 30 months. Achievements under IEHPI for IMGs in 2006/07 include:

  • From July 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007, the Next link will take you to another Web site IMG website (www.img-canada.ca) received an average of 432 daily visits.

    This website enables IEHPs to access a single source of detailed, clear information about the requirements to practise as a medical doctor in Canada. Over the last year, other health professions and jurisdictions have made strides in developing communication tools to ensure easy access to clear and relevant information about licensure and practice in Canada.
  • The Medical Council of Canada is bringing together its partners to develop common tools for the assessment of IMGs. This initiative builds on the significant development work already achieved with the goal to create a consistent and transparent approach to IMG assessment across the country.
  • A multi-media faculty development program for teachers of IMGs was launched with 17 faculties of medicine across the country and has received overwhelming support.

IEHPI annual meeting

Held on January 31, 2007 in Toronto, the meeting provided opportunities for provinces, territories, stakeholders and representatives from seven health professions to share information, collaborate and discuss next steps for the IEHPI. Participants identified future priorities including profession-specific language assessment and the development of an IEHPI framework.

Pan-Canadian Health Human Resource Planning Project Initiated in 2006/07

National Physicians Survey

Amount/ Duration

$300,000 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)

Objective

Create a National Physicians Survey (NPS) to strengthen the evidence base for medical workforce health human resource planning in Canada.

The NPS is a comprehensive medical workforce survey sent to all physicians, second-year medical residents and all medical students in Canada from January to May 2007. The data will be collected using both online and paper versions of the survey instruments. Physicians will receive one of two versions of the survey, either a 5-page questionnaire or a 12-page questionnaire. Second-year medical residents and all medical students will be surveyed online. This survey will help identify health workforce issues such as trends, gaps and risks for future health human resource planning. Additionally, it will provide valuable information not collected in any other existing information source (e.g. working hours, locations of practice, types of services offered in different practice settings, and use of emerging technology).

Activities

Survey all physicians, second-year medical residents and medical students in Canada in 2007.

Ensure the greatest possible number of potential participants be made aware of, complete, and submit the 2007 National Physician Survey.

Ensure that the medical community, researchers and academics, legislators, policy-makers, planners, employers and educators become more aware of the NPS results and use them in their research, advocacy work and decision-making.

Anticipated Results

Output

Produce a coordinated, enhanced, updated, relevant and comprehensive physician database that will be used to inform policy-makers and managers, and enhance evidence-based decision-making. The survey will also produce a comprehensive assessment of what all physicians in Canada are currently doing, as well as the perspectives of Canada's future physicians in responding to health care needs across Canada.

Contact Information

Canadian Institute for Health Information |
495 Richmond Road, Suite 600 | Ottawa, ON | K2A 4H6 |
Telephone: 613-241-7860

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Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice (IECPCP) Projects Initiated in 2006/07

Cultivating Communities of Practice for Collaborative Care

Amount/ Duration

$799,887 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

Cancer Care Nova Scotia

Objectives

Cultivate a community of practice composed of professionals in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island who will facilitate the education of community-based practitioners.

Improve collaborative patient-centred practice among those who provide care to oncology patients and their families, including health professionals from First Nations communities.

Develop, deliver and evaluate a facilitator training program and develop shared knowledge, skills and attitudes among participants attending the Interprofessional Core Curriculum (ICC) modules.

Cultivate a community of practice among those facilitators and modify the existing ICC for oncology to be culturally sensitive to First Nations groups.

Increase patient satisfaction and awareness of and access to existing resources.

Engage in knowledge transfer, dissemination and networking activities.

Provide opportunities for nursing students to engage in collaborative patient-centred practice.

Activities

Develop, deliver and evaluate a competency-based facilitator program to ensure that health professional facilitators gain necessary skill sets.

Deliver modified interprofessional core curriculum modules that highlight cultural sensitivity and sustain a community of practice among facilitators by: incorporating modules into the nursing undergraduate program, knowledge transfer, dissemination and networking.

Anticipated Results

Output

Improved ICC modules; enhanced competencies for collaborative patient-centred practice among health professionals providing oncology care to patients and families.

Improved curriculum for nursing students and improved patient satisfaction. More than 1,400 health care professionals are expected to complete the modules.

Contact Information

Mrs. Anne Murray | 1278 Tower Road, 5th Floor Bethune Building |
Halifax, NS | B3H 2Y9 |
Telephone: 1-866-599-2267

An Innovative National Distance Education Initiative for Interprofessional Practice in Psychosocial Oncology

Amount/ Duration

$749,608 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

Capital Health District Authority, Nova Scotia

Objectives

Address gaps in formal education in interprofessional psychosocial oncology by developing a distance course using blended learning strategies for graduate students that will also be adapted and provided as a web-based professional development course for practicing professionals.

Establish a Canadian network of psychosocial oncology educators and researchers committed to enhancing the health of Canadians affected by cancer through collaborative and interprofessional initiatives.

Activities

Through an Advisory Committee, activities and deliverables will include environmental scans and national-level focus groups to inform research; an interprofessional, blended learning, psychosocial oncology-focused course in French and English; a web-based professional development course; local workshops; and a national educator/research network.

Anticipated Results

Output

Increased availability of qualified psychosocial oncology specialists; increased access for patients and families to interprofessionally educated health care providers.

Contact Information

Dr. Deborah McLeod, Capital Health District Authority |
5820 University Avenue | Halifax, NS | B3H 1V7 |
Telephone: 902-473-2964

Projet ECIP: Éducation à la Collaboration Interprofessionnelle centrée sur le Patient

Amount/ Duration

$746,450 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

Université de Montréal

Objectives

Create model environments for training and practice in collaborative patient-centred care for patients affected by chronic diseases.

Develop, among a group of university professors, health care professionals, students, patients and their families, the competencies necessary for collaborative patient-centred practice in chronic disease.

Develop, establish and evaluate communities of practice in a clinical setting.

Identify and evaluate the key success factors in communities of practice before implementing them in other clinical teams for chronic disease management.

Activities

Project deliverables include developing a curriculum and training activities relating to collaborative practice for chronic disease; establishing two communities of practice that allow for learning and collaborative interprofessional care; establishing and evaluating training activities in the communities of practice; and developing a community of practice clinical model based on collaborative practice.

Anticipated Results

Output

Establishment of practice settings with clinicians, teachers, students, and patients and their families linked together. This will be attained by improved co-operation among the stakeholders, facilitating knowledge transfer and its application into practice.

Contact Information

Dr. Hassan Soubhi | Université de Montréal | Faculté de médecine |
C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville | Montréal QC | H3C 3J7 |
Telephone: 514-340-2800 ext. 3147

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A Process-Oriented Approach to Enhancing Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Relationship Centred Care (PIER)

Amount/ Duration

$667,892 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences

Objective

Develop and evaluate a process-oriented demonstration project that will enhance interprofessional team function and education from pre-licensure curricula to practice settings.

Activities

Create a Project Operations Group and a Project Steering Committee comprised of students, learners, and representatives from each site.

Launch a project website.

Create two sub-projects that focus on enhancing patient care and interprofessional learning; facilitate two workshops for sharing experiences and best practices; host an Immersion Conference to involve external participants; enhance faculty development through a team course provided by external consultants; create learning narratives that map increments of change; and develop several tools that will provide demographic scans and a qualitative evaluation of the entire project.

Anticipated Results

Output

Enhanced understanding between team members of each other's roles and scopes of practice; increased learning opportunities in project sites; increased quality care; and recruitment of additional partners.

Contact Information

Susan Baptiste | 1400 Main Street West, Room 412 |
Hamilton, ON | L8S 1C7 |
Telephone: 905-525-9140 ext. 27804

Teaching Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice through the Humanities

Amount/ Duration

$749,980 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

Sisters of Charity Organization (SCO) Health Services - Élisabeth Bruyère Research Institute

Objective

Provide health professional learners with planned interactions with an interprofessional team during their clinical rotations.

Increase understanding for preceptors and professors of Humanities in health care, adult education and learning technologies through a bilingual Interprofessional Patient-Centred Humanities (IPCH) learning module.

Improve interprofessional patient-centred teamwork and understanding of collaborative patient-centred care in long-term care, complex continuing care, rehabilitation, and palliative care programs at SCO Health Service.

Increase understanding for learners at SCO Health Service of Humanities in health care and interprofessional collaborative practice through an Interprofessional Patient-Centred Humanities (IPCH) learning module.

Activities

Develop a bilingual, replicable Interprofessional Patient-Centred Humanities Learning Module. A preceptor and professor training manual will also be created.

Anticipated Results

Output

Development of a bilingual, sustainable, and replicable Interprofessional Humanities Learning Module that will assist any level of health professional learner practising in similar clinical practice settings.

Contact Information

Dr. Pippa Hall | 43 Bruyère Street | Ottawa, ON | K1N 5C8 |
Telephone: 613-562-4262 ext. 4013

Dr. Susan Brajtman | 451 Smyth Road, Room 3249C | Ottawa, ON |
K1H 8M5 | Telephone: 613-562-5800 ext. 8418

A University of Manitoba Initiative: Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice

Amount/ Duration

$749,753 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

University of Manitoba

Objectives

Establish interprofessional groups comprised of faculty and students who value, understand, practice and promote collaborative patient-centred practices. The focus is to involve practice sites in northern and remote communities, particularly those with Inuit and Aboriginal populations as well as under-served populations

in Winnipeg. Specific objectives are to affect a change in values, attitudes, skills, behaviour and culture that will improve the quality and safety of patient care while also improving collaboration and patient-centred practice. This project will evaluate the effect of such change on patient and professional outcomes.

Activities

Create a demonstration project. Project phases include:

Developing awareness through presentations and engaging staff and students;

Demonstrating effectiveness through electives and preceptors in four practice sites;

Implementing core curricula into multiple, large- and small-group sessions; and

Developing a research platform that will address the initiative's sustainability.

Anticipated Results

Output

Creation of a collaborative base of professionals which will be an academic resource for ongoing collaboration in education, practice and research settings. The project will also engage learners in setting their own expectations for interprofessional collaborative modes of practice at the post-licensure level.

Contact Information

Dr. Judy Anderson | Faculty of Medicine | 730 William Avenue |
Winnipeg, MB | R3E 0W3 |
Telephone: 204-789-3559

Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Chronic Disease Care

Amount/ Duration

$749,790 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

University of New Brunswick

Objectives

Provide useful strategies and tools to assist leaders in continuing care across Canada in facilitating transitions within their organizations, specifically related to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Activities

Simulate care experiences in chronic disease to assist in developing a model of health care education that will equip students to work in interprofessional patient-centred teams. This will be achieved by integrating literature and using case studies and simulated patient care situations in curricula for both pre- and post-licensure students and practising professionals.

Create a faculty development package that supports the integration of the Interprofessional Patient-Centred Practice model into curricula and workshops.

Identify successful best practices for a sustained interprofessional education and faculty education program.

Anticipated Results

Output

Increase in the number of professionals trained in collaborative patient-centred practice, while demonstrating and emphasizing its benefits on the continuum of care in chronic disease management.

Contact Information

Dr. Keith De'Bell | P.O. Box 5050 | Saint John, NB | E2L 4L5 |
Telephone: 506-648-5577

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Interprofessional Disaster/Emergency Action Studies (IDEAS)

Amount/ Duration

$792,011 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

Centennial College

Objectives

Improve interprofessional team performance in patient-centred practice and increase the perceived efficiency of health care systems in a disaster/emergency or pandemic situation.

Develop a competency-based interprofessional curriculum for disaster/emergency preparedness.

Implement and assess the curriculum's impact on the ability of health care and first responders to work collaboratively to deliver care.

Assess the effect of interprofessional collaboration curriculum on student learning, and whether the knowledge and skills obtained translate into sustained professional practice.

Activities

Create several committees to oversee and guide the project. Produce a competency-based curriculum to support pre-licensure students in interprofessional education.

Establish a web-based model to deliver and track integrated interprofessional education and disaster/emergency studies.

Use a disaster/emergency simulation to assess team learning needs.

Develop a high-fidelity disaster/emergency simulation to assess team performance.

Provide faculty training.

Anticipated Results

Output

Improved student readiness for interprofessional education and performance within a collaborative patient-centred team.

Enhanced transferability and sustainability of interprofessional education skills in the practice setting.

Improve perceived system efficiency through the integration of student teams in disaster/emergency preparedness plans.

Contact Information

Ms. Renee Kenny | P.O. Box 631, Station A | Scarborough ON | M1K 5E9 |
Telephone: 416-289-5000 ext. 8070

Creating Interprofessional Collaborative Teams for Comprehensive Mental Health Services

Amount/ Duration

$741,000 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

University of Western Ontario

Objectives

Facilitate interprofessional collaborative mental health care in both education and practice settings.

Socialize faculty, student and practitioners in client-centred interprofessional collaborative practice focusing on mental health services to vulnerable populations by stimulating networking and sharing of best education approaches and increasing the number of educators and health professionals trained in interprofessional collaborative practice.

Activities

Annual half-day retreat for student leaders, community partners, consumers, and faculty members.

Organize and develop workshops and simulation exercises for students.

Develop online modules for self-directed problem-based learning.

Develop curriculum that teaches interprofessional collaborative care and team collaboration in community settings.

Anticipated Results

Output

Creation of a sustainable infrastructure and curriculum to support interprofessional education and practice through training faculty, students and community partners, including providing services to the homeless and other disadvantaged groups.

Contact Information

Dr. Cheryl Forchuk | 1151 Richmond Street, Suite 2 |
London, ON | N6A 5B8 |
Telephone: 519-858-8500 ext. 77034

Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC)

Amount/ Duration

$775,000 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

University of British Columbia

Objective

Develop a pan-Canadian collaboration of Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice (IECPCP) partners.

The CIHC will:

Promote and demonstrate the benefits of IECPCP.

Stimulate networking and sharing of best practices.

Facilitate collaboration in education and practices, a research agenda for IECPCP, and transfer knowledge to appropriate communities.

Support sustainable change in IECPCP.

Foster, support and develop IECPCP in new and creative ways.
Support the National Health Sciences Students' Association with the creation and implementation of their sustainability plan.

Activities

Deliverables include: the creation of a CIHC, with a component to support interprofessional students' efforts across Canada; establish key research questions; develop and implement a best practice dissemination framework including a website, a blog and listserv; host two national IECPCP best practice workshops; and translate the knowledge gained into practice settings.

CIHC will formulate a 3-year business plan acquiring business knowledge and skills necessary for achieving sustainability and transferring knowledge to future business leaders to support the National Health Sciences Students' Association.

Anticipated Results

Output

lmproved collegial sharing and exchange in the area of IECPCP; more effective translation and uptake of the research findings emanating from Cycle One and Two IECPCP projects and related efforts; and in the long term, the creation of a permanent collaborative dedicated to advancing IECPCP across Canada.

Contact Information

Dr. John Gilbert, Principal Researcher | University of British Columbia | 400-2194 Health Sciences Mall | Vancouver, BC | V6T 1Z3 |
Telephone: 604-562-1492

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Recruitment and Retention Projects Initiated in 2006/07

National Physician Health Survey

Amount/ Duration

$100,000 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

Canadian Medical Association (CMA)

Objectives

Develop a bilingual National Physician Health Survey designed to establish a baseline of data on the mental and physical health of Canadian physicians in practice to assist in health human resource planning.

Activities

Develop a survey; data collection; analysis; and publication of analysed results.

Anticipated Results

Output

Provide a comprehensive picture of the mental and physical health of practising Canadian physicians.

Contact Information

William Tholl, Secretary General & CEO |
1867 Alta Vista Drive | Ottawa, ON | K1G 3Y6 |
Telephone: 613-731-8610 ext. 2236

International Medical Workforce Collaborative

Amount/ Duration

$66,033 2006/07

Recipient

University of British Columbia

Objectives

Provide a pre-conference program that will give delegates insight into Canadian innovation in interprofessional practice as well as logistical support for the 10th International Medical Workforce Collaborative (IMWC) conference from March 20-25, 2007, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Activities

Develop and conduct a pre-conference day to showcase Canadian innovation in interprofessional health human resource education, a component of which is the use of technology and long-distance education to provide active synchronized medical education in more distant regions.

Showcase collaborative physician human resource planning in Canada and facilitate knowledge transfer among the participating countries.

Provide support for the conference, including logistical arrangements for all participants, general support to the organizing committee, transportation of participants to and from venues, on-site support, accreditation of the conference and proceedings for continuing professional development.

Produce two executive summaries (pre-conference and conference) for delegates and meeting stakeholders.

Anticipated Results

Output

Conference will facilitate the transfer of knowledge across participating countries and increase the effectiveness of physician human resource planning within Canada.

Contact Information

Luke Ferdinands, Acting Director | University of British Columbia |105-2194 Health Sciences Mall | Vancouver, BC | V6T 1Z3 |
Telephone: 604-822-6434

Simulated Learning and Medical Laboratory Education

Amount/ Duration

$36,028 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

Objectives

Complete a research project on simulated learning in medical laboratory education. The project is intended to create an evidence base for the use of simulated learning experiences in medical laboratory education, in order to inform educational practices, policy- and decision-making processes, and potential directions for further research. Without evidence to support the educational validity of simulations, educational programs are in a poor position to justify shifts in their curricula when responding to accreditation issues and challenges.

Activities

Data collected will answer research questions regarding current practices in simulated learning for medical laboratory science (MLS) students. Study will involve data collection comprised of telephone/email contacts and written surveys.

Anticipated Results

Output

Examine current literature, practices and expertise related to simulations in order to construct a much-needed evidence base for simulated learning in MLS programs in Canada.

Contact Information

Kurt H. Davis, Executive Director |
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science |
P. O. Box 2830, LCD1 | Hamilton, Ontario | L8N 3N8 |
Telephone: 905-528-8642

Collecting Data and Information Relative to Emergency Obstetrical Care to Support a National Birthing Strategy for Canada

Amount/ Duration

$479,228 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)

Objectives

Establish a process for the compilation and analysis of quality, timely data on emergency obstetrical care and services in Canada.

Activities

Project will encompass research, consultation, and communication.

The research component will take the form of environmental scans, literature reviews, focus groups, surveys and interviews, and aims to answer a number of key questions regarding supply and demand and trends that affect emergency obstetricians and other maternity care providers.

Anticipated Results

Output

Data collected will contribute to long-term planning, as well as provide provincial and territorial governments with up-to-date information on the availability of emergency obstetrical care in their jurisdiction. Adequate data and information available will also help accurately assess and address the health human resource crisis relative to emergency obstetrical/perinatal care in Canada.

Contact Information

Dr. André B. Lalonde, Executive Vice-President |
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada |
780 Echo Drive | Ottawa, Ontario | K1S 5R7 |
Telephone: 905-528-8642

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Provincial/Territorial/Regional Projects Initiated in 2006/07

Standardization of the Description of Competencies of Atlantic Region Licensed Practical Nurses

Amount/ Duration

$295,320 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

Alberta Health and Wellness

Objective

Build on work done in the first phase of the Standardization of the Description of Competencies of Western Canadian Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Practitioners, featured in the 2005/06 Annual Report, by expanding the common process for describing a competency profile for LPNs working in the Atlantic Region (Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island).

Specific objectives are:

Review and validate the Alberta LPN competencies through a series of workshops by a representative sample of LPNs including LPN educators and practitioners in the Atlantic Region.

Prepare a separate competency profile for LPNs in each of the Atlantic Region provinces.

Prepare a common LPN competency profile document that represents the full scope of practice and utilization of LPNs in Western Canada and the Atlantic Region.

Evaluate the project.

Distribute the LPN competency profiles to key stakeholders for use in health care planning, education and training, recruitment, placement, and human resource management.

Activities

Hold initial project planning meeting.

Conduct LPN competency validation and develop competency profile in each Atlantic province and then prepare a common LPN competency profile document.

Develop an evaluation plan, collect data at the completion of workshops, and analyse the data to produce a final evaluation report to be submitted to Health Canada and Alberta Health and Wellness.

Anticipated Results

Output

Creation of a common LPN competency profile document that captures the full scope of practice and utilization of LPNs in eight provinces (including two in Western Canada and two in the Atlantic region) and produce a report that can be used by other stakeholders to conduct similar projects.

Contact Information

Dr. Bill DuPerron, Director of Health Workforce Education and Immigration |
Alberta Health and Wellness |
17th Floor Telus Plaza North, 10025 Jasper Avenue |
P.O. Box 1360 - Station Main | Edmonton, AB | T5J 2N3 |
Telephone: 780-422-2528

Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiative (IEHPI) Projects Initiated in 2006/07

Implementation Strategies for Faculty Development Program for Teachers of International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

Amount/ Duration

$168,000 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC)

Objective

Invite Canada's 17 faculties of medicine to organize training sessions for teachers of IMGs, using the materials developed in the Faculty Development Program.

Activities

Dissemination of materials developed by the Faculty Development Program through training sessions, enabling faculty development leaders and teachers to utilize and apply these materials effectively.

Invite the 17 faculties of medicine, through the AFMC website and newsletter, to submit a proposal to organize a training session. The faculties will also be encouraged to invite the provincial IMG program in their area to attend the local sessions so they can pilot the Faculty Development Program for their IMG teachers.

Anticipated Results

Output

Physicians and teachers working effectively and collaboratively to prepare IMGs for Canadian practice.

Contact Information

Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada | 774 Echo Drive |
Ottawa, ON | K1S 5P2 |
Telephone: 613-730-0687

Establishing a National Assessment Collaboration

Amount/ Duration

$100,000 2006/07

Recipient

Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

Objective

Harmonize the tools utilized across the country for the assessment of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and bring a level of national consistency to this process.

Activities

Development of standardized assessment tools for IMGs that will determine the readiness of these individuals for one of two streams: ready for practise; ready for residency training.

Creation of a national, centralized administration of the assessment tools to support regional IMG programs. This includes the development of procedure manuals and logistics guides for all assessors and IMG program directors, central support for scoring, decision standards, appeal procedures, national data, and quality improvement programs.

Anticipated Results

Output

It is expected that this initiative will lead to a fair, transparent and consistent approach to IMG assessment in all regions of the country by facilitating knowledge transfer of work already completed on standardized assessment.

Contact Information

Medical Council of Canada | 2283 St. Laurent Boulevard |
P.O. Box 8234 - Station T | Ottawa, ON | K1G 3H7 | 
Telephone: 613-521-6012

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Understanding the Canadian Health Care System, Culture, and Context: An Orientation Program for Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs)

Amount/ Duration

$599,915 2006/07 to 2007/08

Recipient

University of Toronto (U of T)

Objectives

Development of a pan-Canadian orientation program for IEHPs by U of T, in collaboration with Health Canada, six professions and the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Activities

Stage One will involve collation and analysis of existing orientation programs for IEHPs to identify gaps and develop a comprehensive learning needs profile for IEHPs. Vehicles for delivery of programming (e.g. print, face-to-face, internet, etc...) will be examined to establish the most effective and efficient learning platform for teaching and learning.

A comprehensive program will be developed in Stage Two. The developers will design the program in a format that is sustainable using the analysis from Stage One, with optimal delivery methods to enable a maximum number of IEHPs to access this resource.

Anticipated Results

Output

A structured and systematic pan-Canadian orientation program for IEHPs will be developed that will focus on the many dimensions of practicing as a health care provider in the Canadian health care system.

An analysis of existing IEHP orientation programs and delivery mechanisms.

Contact Information

University of Toronto | 144 College Street | Toronto, ON | M5S 3M2 |
Telephone: 416-978-2889

Formation des professionnels francophones de la santé formés à l'étranger

Amount/ Duration

$1,000,000 2006/07 to 2009/10

Recipient

Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS)

Objectives

Develop three initiatives to increase the number of health professionals available for delivering health services in minority francophone communities outside of Québec.

Activities

Establish an inter-cultural training program focusing on minority francophone communities. This program will enable faculty, teachers and staff working with francophone IEHPs to promote their integration into these communities.

Create a training program to promote the success of francophone internationally educated nurses in writing the nursing licensing examination.

Enable consultation sessions, and the development and implementation of an action plan to promote the availability of training, assessment and integration programs for IEHPs in French.

Anticipated Results

Output

Increased number of health professionals available to deliver health services in minority francophone communities outside of Québec.

Contact Information

Consortium national de formation en santé |
260 Dalhousie Street, Suite 400 | Ottawa, ON | K1N 7E4 |
Telephone: 613-344-7837

Évaluation des diplômés internationaux en médecine au Québec

Amount/ Duration

$586,500 2004/05 to 2006/07

Recipient

Laval University

Objective

Establishment of intake internships by provincial faculties of medicine; purchase of authorized equipment and materials by the Association québécoise des médecins diplômés hors du Canada et des États-Unis in order to establish their assistance service; and development of a project proposal by the faculties of medicine for their funding.

Activities

Provide financial support for training and evaluation costs for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are registered with Recrutement Santé Québec, who meet the priority needs of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and who have been invited by the Collège des médecins du Québec to participate in the evaluation internship.

Provide support to the Association québécoise des médecins diplômés hors du Canada et des États-Unis to purchase materials, rent rooms and purchase books in order to provide assistance to their members.

Provide support to the province's faculties of medicine to develop an intake internship for IMG applicants who have been offered residency.

Anticipated Results

Output

Enhanced capacity to assist IMGs gain residency positions within Québec faculties of medicine, while providing adequate support both financially and with resource assistance.

Contact Information

Dr. Jacques Frenette | Laval University | Québec, QC | G1K 7P4 |
Telephone: 418-656-2131 ext. 12400

Provincial/Territorial/Regional Projects (IEHPI) Initiated in 2006/07

Internationally Educated Health Professionals Centre

Amount/ Duration

$15,952,445 2006/07 to 2009/10

Recipient

Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Objective

Create an Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHP) Centre to provide a single point of access to comprehensive information, resources and counselling that will assist internationally educated health professionals to access the information, assessment, education, and training required to practice in Ontario.

A Centre for the Evaluation of Health Professionals Educated Abroad (CEHPEA) will be established and linked with the IEHP Centre. CEHPEA will develop and deliver competency assessment services for IEHPs in professions beyond medicine.

Activities

Develop and operate two new and linked programs: the IEHP Centre and the CEHPEA.

This project builds on the environmental scan and strategic planning that Ontario completed in 2005/06 which indicated a need to increase access to assessment for IEHPs in a range of health professions, and to establish a "one-stop" centre for IEHPs to provide counseling, referrals and access to information and services.

Anticipated Results

Output

A single point of access to comprehensive information, resources and counselling that will assist IEHPs to access the information, assessment, education, and training required to practice in Ontario.

Contact Information

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care | 12-56 Wellesley Street West | Toronto, ON | M5S 2S3 |Telephone: 416-314-5518

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Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiative - Manitoba Projects

Amount/ Duration

$1,403,601 2006/07 to 2009/10

Recipient

Manitoba Health

Objective

Develop five different projects that will have a direct impact on International Medical Graduates (IMGs), medical laboratory technicians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical radiologists, health unit clerks, sterile processing, dental assistants, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists and massage therapists.

Activities

Creation of an Internationally Educated Health Professionals coordination office that will provide orientation about the Canadian medical system and access to resource information required for career development.

Develop and deliver an Internationally Educated Pharmacists exam preparation course. This course will focus on the Canadian health care system, practicing pharmacy in Canada and developing English language and communication skills required for practice.

Develop and deliver a 12-week English language course for health care professionals at the Red River College Language Training Centre.

Create a Medical Laboratory Technician Upgrade Program for unemployed or under-employed internationally educated medical laboratory technicians.

Produce an IMG Resource Guide that will provide comprehensive information including: the licensing system, exam preparation and support services.

Anticipated Results

Output

Increased number of IEHPs entering practice in health professions, increased capacity to assess credentials and experience of IEHPs, and ability to provide clinical training.

Contact Information

Manitoba Health | 1043-300 Carlton Street | Winnipeg, MB |
R3B 3M9 |Telephone: 780-427-7164

Internationally Educated Health Professionals - Alberta Projects

Amount/ Duration

$723,499 2006/07 to 2008/09

Recipient

Alberta Health and Wellness

Objective

Development of an assessment program focusing on language fluency and communication readiness, as well as a competency-based assessment of nursing knowledge and skills of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs).

Activities

Provide an assessment of the competencies of IENs in comparison to the entry to practice competencies of nurses in Canada.

Provide IEN candidates with the necessary preparation, including workshops and study materials, to assist them in preparing for assessment and provide recommendations for preparation and integration into practice and employment in Canadian health care settings.

Provide information and support to other interested and appropriate agencies across Canada in their plans and processes for the assessment of IENs.

Anticipated Results

Output

An ongoing program of assessment by way of an IEN Assessment Centre at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, that has the capacity to assess the knowledge, skills and competencies of IENs.

Contact Information

Alberta Health and Wellness |
17th Floor Telus Plaza North, 10025 Jasper Avenue |
Edmonton, AB | T5J 2N3 | Telephone: 780-427-7164

Integration Framework for Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiatives

Amount/ Duration

$394,000 in 2006/07

Recipient

Nova Scotia Department of Health

Objective

Nova Scotia, on behalf of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and its own jurisdiction, will begin the process of building a unified and focused integration framework for Atlantic Canada through two projects for IEHPs seeking registration and licensure as practical nurses.

Activities

Build on the environmental scan funded in 2006 by Health Canada, which identified a need for a strategic and coordinated approach for project implementation, in Atlantic Canada.

Complete a strategic planning process to build a unified and focused integration framework to meet the needs of IEHPs in Atlantic Canada.

Expand Atlantic Canada's IEN web portal to include a specific section with clear and comprehensive information on becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Increase the Nova Scotia Community College's capacity to develop portfolios specific to LPNs. A portfolio is a tool that enables a nurse to move through the licensure and workforce integration process.

Anticipated Results

Output

Production of a unified and focused integration framework for IEHPs seeking registration and licensure as practical nurses in Atlantic Canada.

Contact Information

Nova Scotia Department of Health | 1690 Hollis Street |
Halifax, NS | B3L 4H9 |
Telephone: 902-424-5818

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Aboriginal HHR Projects Initiated in 2006/07

Western Regional Forum

Amount/ Duration

$50,000 2006/07

Recipient

Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations

Objective

Hold a three-day forum (policy and practice) that will demonstrate the innovative skills development and human resources best practices utilized in the implementation of Saskatchewan's Aboriginal workforce strategy including:

Transition and access programs, career pathing, laddering, collective agreements, workplace readiness.

Supporting the adoption and sharing of Aboriginal health human resources practices.

Research on access programs.

Providing participants with the opportunity to network and to discuss opportunities for partnerships.

Activities

Hold a three-day forum on Aboriginal Health Human Resources in Regina from May 29-31, 2006.

Provide accommodations and meals for approximately 300 attendees (accommodations and meals for federal public servants are not allowable under the terms of this agreement).

Anticipated Results

Output

A three-day networking and sharing Forum on Aboriginal Health Human Output Resources policy, programs, practices and research based on Saskatchewan's innovative approaches.

Contact Information

Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations |
144 Park Street | Regina, SK | K1P 5Z9 |
Telephone: 306-347-5568

Conclusion

The Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy is a truly collaborative undertaking. In developing the Strategy, consultations took place with a wide variety of stakeholders including P/Ts, professional/regulatory/evidence-based organizations, educational institutions, and other federal departments.

The delivery of the Strategy continues in this spirit of collaboration. Although the Health Human Resource Strategies Division (HHRSD) of Health Canada leads the overall implementation of the Strategy, responsibility for many aspects of the Strategy rests with the department's Office of Nursing Policy (ONP) and the FNIHB, in close collaboration with the F/P/T Advisory Committee on Health Delivery and Human Resources.

More specifically, ONP leads the development and implementation of the HWI and, in partnership with the HHRSD, leads the development and implementation of the IECPCP initiative. FNIHB leads the development and implementation of HHR activities targeted towards First Nations and Inuit populations.

In 2006/07, projects and activities detailed within this report continued to build the evidence needed to strengthen and revitalize the health workforce in Canada.

Need more information?

For up-to-date information on the status and activities of the Pan-Canadian HHR Strategy, web site.

Health Human Resource Connection

The electronic newsletter "Health Human Resource Connection" is designed to highlight initiatives and activities underway through the Strategy.

To subscribe to the newsletter from the HHRSD, send an email titled "Database

Addition" to: hhrconnection-connexionrhs@hc-sc.gc.ca

Include the following details: name, organization and email address.

Additional feedback or comments on the e-newsletter are welcome.

Date Modified: 2007-10-01

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Important Notices