Shifting Focus: An examination of how to design primary health care networks using a patient-centred, needs-based approach

As a person's care needs become more complex, their care teams tend to expand significantly. It is generally assumed that the responsibility for coordinating these expanded teams falls on the primary care provider (PCP). This expectation has been shown to cause stress in both patients and PCP's because the interventions needed to help people with complex care needs are often difficult to address within existing models of primary care. In response to these challenges many jurisdictions are developing network models of primary care delivery. While there is evidence to suggest that these networks can be effective, it is clear that even the more advanced models of primary care delivery still need external supports to help them fill substantial gaps that may remain between the needs of patients and providers, and what the primary care system can provide. By examining health system design and transformation through the lens of the patient, I will be supporting NSH's overall Health impact goal of addressing key strategic priorities related to the impact of Primary Health Care networks in the province and addressing the needs of Nova Scotians and the health care system. The HSIF will allow me to support the development of high functioning health care networks through the development of a clear understanding of what kinds of services need to be vertically and horizontally integrated with the different types of primary care models to support them in offering well-coordinated and integrated care for people with complex care needs.