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Managers in the hospital-based and primary care systems
The SCS project supports the notion that enabling quality communication linkages between
hospitals and the primary care network should become a high priority for managers in the health
care system. This implication is the reflection of the conclusions reached throughout the three
phases of the SCS project. Phase I established the deficiencies in communication in the three
Quebec hospitals recruited to participate. Phase II proved that a secure, rapid and accessible link
was possible as long as certain technological aspects were sufficiently addressed. Thirdly, Phase
III confirmed the benefit of the SCS in regards to the continuity and quality of patient care
delivered.
Approach
General Approach
As reflected in the research objectives, this project's methodology also followed a triphasic
approach. The first phase consisted of focus groups aimed at determining the key data elements
necessary for informed clinical decision-making by PCP and ED providers. During the second
phase, a standardized communication tool facilitating the transfer of information between
emergency department and the PCPs was developed and implemented. Finally, in the third
phase of the study, family physicians and their patients were recruited to evaluate the impact of
the SCS on several health care outcomes.
Phase 1: Focus Groups
Identification of the informational elements required by both PCPs and ED teams to facilitate
the comprehensive care of patients seeking urgent care in the ED and are then referred back to
the PCPs for follow-up.
A focus group was held at each participating centre Sir Mortimer B. Davis – Jewish General
Hospital (Montreal), Hôtel Dieu de Lévis (Quebec City), and Hôpital Charles LeMoyne
(Longueuil) in order to obtain balanced perspectives from key health care providers which could
in turn contribute to the generalization of the views obtained.
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