Expanding access to specialist care close to home, in rural BC, is crucial for addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable access to medical services. Rural communities often face limited availability of specialized care, which can lead to delayed diagnoses, poorer health outcomes, and increased travel burdens for residents seeking treatment. By enhancing access to specialist care through in-person outreach clinics, in some cases supported in between by virtual care, these communities can benefit from timely, expert medical consultations without the need for extensive travel. This not only has the potential of  improving overall health and quality of life but also decreases the costs that are often borne by the patient and/or caregiver in having to access care away from home. Additionally, expanding such clinics fosters stronger healthcare networks, promotes timely care, and helps reduce healthcare costs associated with advanced medical interventions arising from untreated or late-diagnosed conditions. Ultimately, this program aims to support the provision of comprehensive, accessible healthcare for all BC residents, regardless of geographic location.

This program focuses on supporting the planning, relationship building and connections that are needed to establish a rural outreach clinic or expanding the specialties offered at an existing clinic. It is not intended to support clinical service delivery (i.e. sessional time for clinical work). Clinical service delivery should be compensated through a fee-for-service model unless there are alternate funding sources. The intention of this work is to support in person (i.e. NITAOP-funded visits) care in rural communities, but innovative and collaborative models with local providers will also be eligible for funding.

All participants will be invited to a one-hour virtual program introduction and overview. This session will also be recorded for asynchronous viewing.

Funding Available: The program will fund up to 15 hours of sessional support. We recognize that the complexity of setting up rural outreach clinics differs based on several factors. Additional hours may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Mentorship: We have providers that have successfully established rural outreach clinics and continue to provide care to underserved rural communities. If you would like to have mentorship throughout the process of starting an outreach clinic, we can connect you with someone.

Resources: We will provide a toolkit to help you navigate the process of setting-up a rural outreach clinic (e.g. NITAOP, Privileging, connecting with local partners).

Individualized approach: We will facilitate connection with local Medical Staff Associations, Rural Program Liaisons, Health Authority Medical Administration, Divisions of Family Practice

Individual assistance: We will do our best to provide support and contact connections needed for each individual outreach clinic case.

This project is supported by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC) and the Specialist Services Committee, partnerships of Doctors of BC and the Government of BC.