The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has announced the launch of a new nursing pilot program to take place in the Yellowknife area. The pilot is part of the medical travel program.
“Medical travel is a high and increasing cost for the Northwest Territories’ health and social services system. By improving care coordination, clarifying pathways, and expanding virtual care, we can reduce unnecessary travel and improve patient experiences. This pilot, which will introduce 3 Medical Travel Nurse Case Managers to Yellowknife Primary Care, is designed to improve this experience,” read a statement released Monday by Chief Executive Officer Kim Riles.
The three Medical Travel Nurse Case Managers will be working in Yellowknife Primary Care as part of the two-year pilot program. The authority added that they are planning to fill the nursing case manager positions after funding was made available to the department of Health and Social services.
Medical Travel Nurse Case Managers would be responsible for co ordinating with providers and programs that frequently refer to or receive patients for out-of-territory care.
They would also evaluate opportunities for virtual care alternatives.and work with patients attached to distant health care systems.
Riles said the nurses would also assist with developing best practices and data to reduce travel-related expenditures and improve patient navigation.
The authority added that the program is intended to reduce medical travel expenses.
“This exciting initiative, currently implemented only in the YK region, aims to improve care coordination for residents who need to travel to receive care. We will aim to reduce unnecessary travel by supporting care closer to home or virtually, and by bundling appointments to minimize trips. This pilot will also strengthen clinical data collection and inform future planning work that benefits all regions, to improve patient experience, outcomes, and the efficient use of financial and clinical resources,” said Riles in a public message issued today.
According to the announcement, when out-of-territory care is deemed “clinically appropriate” Medical Travel Nurse Case Managers will work with patients to coordinate appointments, support timely attendance and minimize delays and disruptions.
“They also divert care towards in-territory options when suitable, helping reduce the stress and inconvenience of travelling for appointments,” explained Riles.
Riles added the implementation of the Medical Travel Nurse Case Manager roles is now underway, with recruitment ongoing.
“It is expected that these roles will be implemented as they are filled over the next several months.”
