Team profiles :

Université Laval

At a Glance   

Region: Québec:

Setting: Urban

EAIP program principle(s): 

• Access to specialized healthcare services
• Access to social and community supports 
• Access to system navigation and support 

Implementation (new, spread, and/or expand):   

• Spread 

Team Profile  

The team leading this initiative is made up of Université Laval, in collaboration with McMaster University, the VITAM research centre, the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale and Dessercom. The members of this interdisciplinary team include program managers, nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, clinical researchers, and patient partners. 

Community

• The Capitale-Nationale region is made up of Quebec City, six regional county municipalities (RCMs), one First Nations reserve, and one parish municipality (both outside of RCMs). The population of the Capitale-Nationale region (region 03) is approximately 760,000. 
• Most of the population is urban. Initially, the initiative will focus on an urban area, before expanding to more rural regions. 
• Approximately 20.8% of the population is aged 65 or over, and the region is experiencing demographic growth due in particular to increased immigration and reduced migration to other regions of Québec.  

Program Focus 

Program Description  

• In 2020, Dr. Gina Agarwal launched the CP@clinic and CP@home paramedicine programs to improve adult health and reduce 911 calls and hospital visits. The initiative, which has been successful in Ontario, will be piloted in Québec with a focus on chronic disease prevention and management, and health promotion among older adults. The program aims to improve health, reduce social isolation, and connect participants with primary care and community resources. Paramedical staff will conduct regular one-on-one meetings in subsidized housing units to provide health check-ups, training and referrals. The pilot project will target three subsidized housing buildings for a total of around 150 residents, with an ambulance and paramedical staff available one half-day per week. This free program has proven effective in reducing 911 calls, improving quality of life, and reducing the risk of chronic disease.   
• The main objective of the initiative is to assess the feasibility of implementing the CP@clinic program in the Capitale-Nationale region. Another objective is to explore the program’s material impact on various health determinants, assess its effect on the use of pre-hospital emergency services and emergency room visits, and study its potential for delaying admission to a long-term care home. 

Implementation Approach: 

• Partnerships:  Continue to develop relationships and partnerships with various organizations, providers, community members, and resident committees. 
• Training and education:  Train local paramedical staff on CP@clinic processes and protocols, and on data collection methods. 
• CP@clinic outreach:  Hand out flyers and hang posters in buildings, and post additional notices when paramedical staff are present. Use other dissemination channels in collaboration with resident committees. 
• Implement CP@clinic:  Hold a community paramedicine clinic once a week. A team of two paramedical staff will visit the three subsidized housing buildings for one half-day per week. These standardized visits will follow the CP@clinic program and will be adapted to the needs of the participants.