Temiskaming is one of three sites in Ontario delivering a new way to treat lung disease. Specifically targeting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the Temiskaming Health Link is testing the Value Demonstrating Initiative. Director of Respiratory Health at the Ontario Lung Association, Carole Madeley, says it looks at coordinated care.
“Between the hospital, the primary care, as well as a range of community services to help support the patient in the management of their lung disease,” says Madeley. “It’s public, private, and non-private working together, which doesn’t happen very often. Meaning the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Rx&D, as well as the Ontario Lung Association, all coming together to implement this model.”
Madeley says this model is trying to fix a hole in our health care system. She says people end up in the emergency department of the hospital, and their primary care giver may or may not be informed.
She says it’s important that patient lets their doctor know that they’ve been admitted. In Temiskaming, non profit, public, and private companies are working together to test the coordinated care system, between the hospital, primary care, and community services.
Although the treatment plan isn’t available at the North East LHIN yet, Madeley says that doesn’t mean they won’t eventually adopt the model.