178. Developing an Embedded Program for Operations Research Applied to Community Health Services and Public Health in a Canadian Health System: A Discussion of Lessons Learned
Invited abstract in session HC-5: Innovation 2, stream Sessions.
Thursday, 11:00-12:30Room: St Olavs, Kunnskapssenteret KA11
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Alexander Rutherford
|
| Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University | |
| 2. | Jessica Stockdale
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| Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University | |
| 3. | Krisztina Vasarhelyi
|
| Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute |
Abstract
Simon Fraser University and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) have embarked on an embedded research program in which graduate students in operations research work on research projects at VCH embedded in the health authority environment. The students work directly with clinicians, operations directors, and data analysts at VCH. The focus of the initial phase of this program is on community health services, public and population health, and Indigenous health. During the pilot phase of the program, four projects were undertaken: 1. Determining optimal panel sizes for physicians caring for complex patients; 2. Developing methods for identifying people who are homeless or precariously housed from administrative data; 3. Optimizing the client pathway for people in need of mental health and substance use supported housing; 4. Using simulation modelling to better understand models of care and panel sizes for community care in Indigenous communities. In this discussion talk, I will describe our experiences and lessons learned in developing this program. I hope to engage a wider discussion on embedded research in healthcare operations research—what works well and what works less well.
Keywords
- Decision support
- Health Services Research
- Healthcare management
Status: accepted
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