Project Details
About the Project
The Division of Geriatric Medicine provides expert, thoughtful, compassionate care for elders in many settings: The Seniors Outpatient Clinic at Royal Jubilee Hospital, on wards in Victoria hospitals, as well as up and down Vancouver Island. With more elderly patients needing to access their services and a limited number of physicians, Dr. Lauren Cuthbertson thought the time was right to bring the group together to develop a vision for the Division.
As shared by Dr. Cuthbertson, “What initially brought us together for the project was a shared sense of frustration, lack of control over decisions that have made it impossible to recruit, and increasing wait times.” Under the guidance of a skilled facilitator, the group examined their capacity challenges, discussed their hopes for the Division, and brainstormed ways that they could do more with the existing team and resources. Working through the visioning process enabled the group to define, “this is who we are, this is the value we have to add, here’s how can we use the team that is already part of the clinic to increase the number of patients that can be seen and use our time most effectively”
An unexpected outcome of the visioning work was the development of sub-specialty clinics to support specific patient populations. A subspecialty Falls Clinic is currently being piloted within the Royal Jubilee Hospital Seniors Outpatient Clinic with the involvement of Geriatric Specialty Services management and physiotherapy, as well as three geriatrician physician leads. Evaluation of this clinic will hopefully show fewer falls and that the clinic can take on more patients.
With a north star to work towards and a stronger sense of self, the Division of Geriatric Medicine can be more confident in the expert care and benefits that they provide. Sitting with colleagues to objectively look at their work and how it could be provided more efficiently and effectively “re-excited us about why we like geriatrics and what we do have to offer.” Thanks and congratulations to Dr. Cuthbertson and the Geriatric Medicine team for their passion and success!