Academic Health Sciences Network
National Symposium
Ottawa, Ontario
April 1st, 2015
Gavin CE Stuart MD
Heather A Davidson PhD
1
BC AHSN
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How much does context really matter in the
integration of care, training and research?
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EVERYTHING!
2
BC AHSN

How much does context really matter in the
integration of care, training and research?

Care – current influences
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High quality health services
“Personalized “
“De-hospitalized”
“Closer to home”
3
BC AHSN

How much does context really matter in the
integration of care, training and research?

Training – current influences
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Curriculum renewal
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Renewal of our social responsibility and accountability
framework
A competency-based curriculum
Integration of foundational and clinical learning
Increased opportunities to pursue scholarship
Continuity of patients, faculty interaction and curriculum
Preparation of learners for their current and future role in the
health care system
4
BC AHSN

How much does context really matter in the
integration of care, training and research?

Research
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Strategy on Patient-Oriented Research
Community-based research
Matching funding
Collaboration
5
BC AHSN

How much does context really matter in the
integration of care, training and research?
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External factors
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Economy
Sustainability
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11.2% of GDP ($211 B)
> 40% of Provincial budget
Desire for improved outcomes
Need for innovation
6
BC AHSN

British Columbia Academic Health Sciences
Network
Care
Social determinants of health
Patient-centred
Primary care
Accessibility
Promotes healthy living
7
BC AHSN

British Columbia Academic Health Sciences
Network
Training
Distributed and integrated model
Community-based
Primary care
Inter-professional
Lifelong learning
8
BC AHSN

British Columbia Academic Health Sciences
Network
Research
SPOR Support Unit
BC Clinical Research Infrastructure Network
Builds on existing excellence
Partnerships – collaborations
9
BC AHSN

British Columbia Academic Health Sciences
Network
Assets
One Province with ~5M persons
One medical school – four campuses
Three relevant Ministries
Four research-intensive Universities
Seven Health Authorities
10
BC AHSN

British Columbia Academic Health Sciences
Network
“As part of the quality improvement strategy there is a
commitment to establish an “academic health science network
(AHSN)” in B.C. to drive effective teaching, placements, and
applied health research that will promote and encourage
improved quality and innovation linked to identified health
care and service needs.”
11
Draft Vision, Mission and Goals for BC AHSN
Vision:
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A sustainable high quality health system infused with a culture of learning, innovation, and
collaboration
Mission:

Generate and utilize research and innovation to drive health system improvement, a robust
health human workforce and economic growth for the province.
Goals:

Accelerate the translation of research knowledge into clinical practice and improved health
system effectiveness and efficiency
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Support large scale provincial change initiatives in priority areas

Align education and training with the priorities and needs of the health system

Enhance economic gain through improved health outcomes, innovation and implementation,
while improving the return on research and healthcare investment
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Develop a culture which fosters excellence, inquiry, innovation, collaborative accountability
and systems thinking
12
Centres and Networks: Complementary but
different
Academic Health Science Centres
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Provide specialized and “one-of-a-kind” services
such as burns, transplantation and high risk
surgery and obstetrics
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Perform as centres of innovation in clinical
delivery of patient services
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Have a key role in training many of the
clinicians, and clinician-scientists
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Conduct health research with a strong focus on
discovery and biomedical research
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Ensure that private sector and industry are
engaged in an effective manner to create health
and value within the health system
Academic Health Science Networks
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Provide integrated health services across the
continuum for a defined population

Support application of research and best
practice into improved care and service delivery
approaches
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Facilitates training of health professionals in
continuum of clinical environments and ongoing
professional development for practicing
clinicians
Conduct health research with a strong focus on
health services and population health
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Provide a “ system” for industry to engage with
which allows for evaluation of products across
the continuum of patient needs and clinical
settings
13
BC AHSN: Network of networks
14
AHSN Next Steps
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Policy framework sign off by Leadership Council and approved by Minister
Establish AHSC working group (starting January 2015) to include representatives
from UBC, PHSA, VCHA, PHC and MOH
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Redefining the role and remuneration of “Academic Clinicians”
Greater alignment and partnership of research assets and resources within the Lower
Mainland
A formal partnership with Life Sciences Industry, including the IT industry
Complete review with CIHR for SPOR Support Unit; work with SPOR Interim
Governing Council on implementation planning in alignment with AHSN goals and
objectives
Stakeholder forum and ongoing consultation to develop a shared understanding,
vision, and commitment to the creation of an AHSN in BC.
Develop shared governance model for AHSN (Fall 2015)
15