There is value in care conferencing between Home Health teams and family doctors and the numbers prove it: 96 per cent of physicians and 75 per cent of clinicians say they are better supported in providing patient care. And the care conference takes only 15 minutes.

What is a GP care conference?

It’s a growing trend in Home Health to work more closely with family physicians. A GP care conference can be over the phone or in person, with the goal of exchanging information and collaborating on a shared care plan that is client-centered and uses the expertise of the entire care team.

This year to date, VCH teams held over 950 care conferences with family physicians. Together they target the main health problems of shared clients with chronic and/or complex health conditions.

The survey says…

A recent survey of both Home Health teams and family physicians highlighted the benefits and challenges of care conferencing, including:

• Eighty-nine per cent of physicians and 78 per cent of clinicians say they are more aware of other issues that affect the health of their shared patients.
• Eighty-one per cent of GPs and 74 per cent of clinicians are likely to recommend the process to a colleague.
• The biggest challenge shared by both physicians and clinicians (50 per cent) is finding a mutually agreeable time to hold a care conference.
• The biggest challenge for Home Health clinicians (52 per cent) is the amount of time needed to dedicate to a care conference.

Summary of results

For the summary of survey results for Home Health clinicians and GPs, visit the Home Health Redesign section on VCH Connect [internal link].

Did you miss these earlier articles about care conferencing?

• Stronger ties with family doctors [with video]
• Care conferencing enhances partnership between GPs and home health staff