Proposing a plan for implementing PCN Evolution in Alberta
March 14, 2014
Late last year, the Minister of Health asked the Primary Care Alliance (PCA), a committee of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), to consider ways in which an enhanced PCN model could become a platform for primary health care reform in the province.
In response, the AMA and the PCA Board prepared two strategic documents that propose a plan for implementing PCN Evolution in Alberta.
Both these reports have been shared with PCN Physician Leads, PCN Executive Directors and RF delegates.
Members can expect much more information on PCN Evolution as we move forward.
Comments?
We welcome your comments on either of the reports below. Contact us at pcnevolution@albertadoctors.org.
PCN Evolution Vision and Framework
Why is this report important?
This report is the culmination of contributions from the AMA, Alberta Health, the Alberta College of Family Physicians and representatives from Alberta Health Services who worked together to address the Minister’s request for an over-arching framework for the future of primary health care.
The report offers a “blueprint” of areas to explore to enhance PCNs and includes:
- Background about PCNs.
- Information about the medical home model.
- A vision for PCN Evolution.
- CFPC Goals and Recommendations for the Medical Home Model.
- A PCN Evolution Goals and Strategies Summary.
Evolving Primary Care Networks in Alberta
Why is this report important?
After a review of the PCN Evolution Vision and Framework with the Minister, a subsequent report and more specific action plan were requested. The PCA, with meaningful input from its partners, then developed a companion document to the PCN Evolution Vision and Framework.
The report outlines potential actions that will feed into the implementation planning phase of the Primary Care Network (PCN) Evolution Project. These ideas will be shared with the family medicine community in the province as well as with senior leaders in the health system.
This companion report focuses on specific initiatives, notably those that:
- Align with the recently developed Primary Health Care Strategy.
- Can be implemented through program changes or on a voluntary basis over the next two fiscal years.
- May be implemented with little or no incremental operational funding for PCNs through the use of surplus and closing cost reserve funds.
- Do not require significant compensation or funding reform as a pre-requisite for success.
- Foster pan-PCN cooperation to jointly fund and implement.
- Leverage infrastructure that exists in the province, notably with AHS.
- Avoid overwhelming PCNs and their participating physicians by phasing initiatives.
