Project Details
About the Project
Physicians are familiar with the many unexpected consequences of COVID. One of these has been a dramatic rise in the incidence of eating disorders among young people. Dr. Mark Jones, paediatrician at Victoria General Hospital, observed this rise and the associated stress that patients and their families can experience during their admission.
Specifically, he and the project team sought to improve the supports available to this growing population and their family members. While patients and families often expect an inpatient stay to be brief, it can sometimes be drawn out for a variety of reasons. Managing patients’ and families’ expectations during this challenging time, as well as explaining the rationale for longer stays, was one of the key objectives of his project to provide a standard orientation upon admission.
The team started off by exploring existing clinical standards on the Island and in Vancouver, and brainstorming the format that educational resources could take. After the success of written guides on “What to expect on admission” for patients and for the young person, the team recognized that a video would be more engaging, enabling patients and their families to review it in their own time and pose follow up questions at their next appointment.
The next step taken by the group was to review and standardize the admission order set and discharge planning for all paediatricians involved in the care of these patients. They also sought to provide resources to community providers, particularly those in rural and remote locations, so that they could potentially manage some cases in their own community without necessitating a transfer.
Over the past several years, this project has continued to grow, leading to tangible improvements in patient and family care, as well as connections between medical staff across the Island. In Dr. Jones’ words, “It’s been an exceptionally rewarding project to work with so many talented and knowledgable professionals, with such dedication to helping young people and their families. Establishing a close partnership with our community colleagues in Victoria, and with professionals across the Island and at BC Children’s Hospital will help to ensure high quality care and continuous improvement for this vulnerable group of young people”.
Congratulations to the project team and close collaborations: Pediatricians Dr. Claudia Zuhn and Dr. Adrianna Condello, the nursing team Taylor Findley and Shannon Cross, Child Psychiatrist Cliff Duncalf, Emma Carrick, Manager of the Eating Disorder Program Crystal Frost, Sarah Harrington, Social Worker Tamara Brown, Dietician Danika Molson, and Nanaimo physician Dr. Jennifer Caninberg.