VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–( EMWNews – April 4, 2008) – The Interprofessional Network of British Columbia (In-BC) has received $335,000 in one-time funding from the B.C. Ministry of Health to continue operations and focus on developing plans for future interprofessional health education and collaboration in the province.

“We are pleased to provide funding to the Interprofessional Network of BC as it supports our commitment to enhance care for all British Columbians,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “We know that collaborative, team-based practice not only improves patient outcomes, but also enhances the workplace for health professionals and students. British Columbia has a range of programs to support and enhance interprofessional practice throughout the province.”

The one-time funding will be used to sustain the IRPbc program which places interprofessional student teams in rural and remote BC communities; conclude the activities of the first two years of In-BC by acknowledging the individuals and communities who have contributed to the network’s success and incorporating lessons learned into planning for the future; and hold targeted stakeholder consultations to inform the development of a business case which will explore options for future resource and long-term sustainability.

“We are thrilled that the Ministry has recognized the work In-BC has done to transform healthcare over the past two years,” said Lesley Bainbridge, co-lead of the project. “Now we have an opportunity to take what we’ve learned and use it to enhance interprofessional teamwork in a way that benefits all British Columbians.”

Originally funded through a Health Canada IECPCP (Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice) grant, In-BC has become the hub of interprofessional collaboration in British Columbia and supported a number of distinct projects such as:

– The Collaboration for Maternal & Newborn Health which is increasing communication and Interprofessional practice between maternity care providers (from doctors to midwives to doulas to researchers).

– The UBC Health Clinic which has developed and implemented a sustainable, interprofessional primary care teaching clinic that includes the team, the space and the model of care.

– Patients First, which is fosters Interprofessional collaboration in First Nations/Aboriginal communities in the northern health authority, and assesses the impact of collaborative patient-centred practice on patient care outcomes.

“With Health Canada funding for In-BC coming to a close on March 31, 2008, we’re grateful to the BC Government for stepping forward to ensure B.C. continues to lead the interprofessional movement in Canada,” said Bainbridge.

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