Sustaining Pediatrics in Rural and Underserved Communities (SPRUCe)

SPRUCe Educational Series

SPRUCe kicked off the first of its four-part educational series on December 2, 2020. It was a successful evening with more than 45 participants from communities all across BC. If you missed the first session, please see the link below. Registration is now open for the third session at 19:30-21:00 on March 30, 2021.

Register Today for Part FOUR!

To listen to Part One, Two, and Three, please email SPRUCe@rccbc.ca to request access for a recorded copy of the presentation.

• PART ONE: Introduction to SPRUCe - December 2

  WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2 | 7:30-9:00pm (Virtual)

  1. Define SPRUCe and describe the goals of the network: (Dr Kirsten Miller from Prince George and Dr Jenny Retallack from Vancouver)
  2. Outline three non-conventional/alternative models of general pediatrics service which are currently being utilized in rural and remote BC communities.
     1. CHARLiE (Child Health Advice in Real Time Electronically) (Dr Alysha MacKenzie-Feder from Kelowna)
     2. Long Term Metronomic Locum Support (Dr Mike Fazio from Vancouver)
     3. “GP Extenders” in Pediatrics (Dr. Carrie Fitzsimons from Nelson, with input from Drs. Jennifer Cutting and Brenna Eldridge from Trail)

• PART TWO: Government Programs available - January 21

  THURSDAY JANUARY 21 | 7:30-9:00pm (Virtual)

  1. Discuss government initiatives which support the pediatric care in rural and remote BC communities
     1. The Rural Practice Subsidiary Agreement (RSA)
     2. The Rural Specialist Locum Program (RSLP)
     3. The Rural Education Action Plan (REAP)
     4. Rural recruitment support: Recruitment Incentive Fund, Recruitment Contingency Fund
     5. The Northern and Isolation Travel Assistance Outreach Program (NITAOP)
     6. Return of Service Programs through UBC
     7. UBC Mentoring Program
  2. Identify how these initiatives can be utilized in remote and rural communities
  3. Identify how non-rural pediatric care providers can utilize these initiatives.
  4. Identify how to support and access Pediatric Residents interested in rural medicine.

• PART THREE: Details regarding Alternative Models of Service - March 30

  TUESDAY MARCH 30 | 7:30-9:00pm (Virtual)

  1. Explain in detail three alternative models of service already in use in some rural and remote communities. There will be specific discussion about how these programs could be applicable to you.
     1. CHARLiE (Child Health Advice in Real Time Electronically) (Dr. David Wensley
        • Description of how CHARLiE can support rural pediatricians in their practice
        • Case examples of previous CHARLiE calls
        • Explanation and demonstration of how to contact the CHARLiE pediatrician
     2. Long term metronomic locum support to rural communities (Dr. Kirsten Miller & Dr. Jenny Retallack)
        • Brief review of RSLP (vacation RSLP and vacancy RSLP) and RSA status- what’s the difference when it comes to locums?
     3. Long term metronomic locum support to rural communities (Dr. Odion Kalaci)
        • Discussion about how this program has been helpful in a rural community
        • Description of the responsibilities of the local team
        • Description of what locum pediatricians can expect when they work in a rural community
     4. Non-pediatrician support for pediatric service (Dr. Dr. Mary Bennett)
        • UBC Department of Family Practice Enhanced Skills Program in Pediatrics (GP Extender), pilot program

• PART FOUR: Application of Alternative Models of Service in your Community - June 16

  WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 | 7:30-9:00pm (Virtual)

  1. 1. 1. 1. Determine whether any of the 3 alternative models of service may be applicable to your practice/community and develop a strategy to move towards implementation
           2. Identify which community and regional supports may be necessary to implement the alternate models of service and describe an approach to securing the necessary support.
           3. Discuss potential areas of focus for SPRUCe, as identified by Pediatricians involved in the network.

This program was co-developed between Rural Coordination Centre of BC and BC Pediatric Society and was planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity and balance.

This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and has been approved by UBC CPD for up to 1.5 MOC Section 1 Group Learning credits for EACH of the 4 sessions.  These credits are translatable for the Maintenance of Certification Program of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Please contact SPRUCe@rccbc.ca for more information.