BC Bedline is going through some major changes to their program.
BC Bedline and BC ambulance, in part, are working together to form the Patient Transfer Network (PTN), to provide inter-facility transfers of patients across British Columbia. The PTN will have registered nurses available to provide clinical oversight when coordinating complex, high-acuity calls, as well as access to Emergency Transfer Physicians and other specialists if advice and patient transfer planning are needed.
The streamlined processes within the new network ensure patient transfer coordinators can connect with physicians quickly while linking to other appropriate resources as required.
The goal is to improve the overall patient and care-provider experience in the delivery of quality and safe care of patients who need to be transferred to another facility.
Cynthia Startup, regional director, Strategic/Clinical Planning for Emergency/Trauma services for VCHA, says there are many benefits of this program to patients, staff and physicians.
“For VCH and PHC, this means you still have the benefit of one number to call – one point of contact for all inter-facility patient transfer needs,” says Cynthia, who is leading the implementation of the PTN processes through the Health Authority Patient Transfer Network Steering Committee. “As well, the Repatriation process, designed with input from the health authorities, can start at the beginning of the transfer rather than putting the onus on the hospitals to call when the patient is near ready to transfer back to their home community. With BC ambulance and BC Bedline amalgamating and co-located, better coordination and communication between the two entities will result in more efficient, effective, and timely transfers of patients.”
Repatriation is the sending of a patient back to their home community facility once treatment at the specialized center is concluded.
BC Bedline will officially be renamed PTN on April 1, 2013. However, this is a “soft launch” according to PTN leadership as some workflow processes for BC Bedline have already changed. For those at the frontline, you may not notice any difference to your workflow. The Health Authority PTN Steering committee is working with all continuums of care, programs and councils to review current transfer processes, develop a quality improvement framework and develop a reporting structure to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
“Ultimately, we are working with PTN to ensure every patient, no matter where they are , receives the appropriate care, at the appropriate facility in a more timely, and efficient way,” Cynthia adds.
Should you have concerns related to a transfer process with PTN, please contact your site access leader to discuss and they will forward your concerns for review.