Inner City Medicine Review Debuts in Downtown Vancouver

Over 80% of participants found event enhanced their clinical knowledge

Primary care physicians and nurse practitioners from over 20 clinics across Metro Vancouver converged on UBC’s Robson Square for the first Inner City Medicine Review last fall. The event was organized and hosted by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) and Vancouver Coastal Health’s (VCH) Department of Family and Community Practice to encourage sharing best practices in treating some of the most challenging conditions clients in the inner city present with in Vancouver clinics. These include opioid use disorder, psychosis, hepatitis C and COPD, among others.

Both front-line community physicians and consultants presented client case studies to encourage dialogue among participants on treating complex patients, many of whom face significant barriers to care, including homelessness, a lack social support and stigmatization.
Dr. Silvia Guillemi, Director of Clinical Education, BC-CfE, and co-chair of the event touched on the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS’ long-standing legacy of engaging hard to reach individuals in the Downtown Eastside in healthcare.

“The Centre has used its learnings not only to reach and retain clients on treatment for HIV, but also hepatitis C and opioid use disorder, said Dr. Guillemi

A central part of its success to date has been in its ability to foster knowledge and information sharing among the healthcare community in Vancouver. This is critical to our broader success if we are to make a significant difference to the lives of those living in downtown Vancouver.

– Dr. Guillemi

Elaborating on Dr. Guillemi’s remarks, co-chair Dr David Hall, Head of VCH’s Department of Family and Community Practice and Medical Director of their Regional HIV Program, encourages the organization of more events such as the Inner City Medicine Review to promote a stronger sense of community among practitioners who need support and collaboration to navigate the challenging and evolving healthcare environment.

Physicians and nurse practitioners based in Downtown Vancouver engage with a variety of patients with complex health needs every day. These practical everyday clinical experiences are invaluable. We need to ensure we create a culture of information sharing among healthcare providers operating in Metro Vancouver

– Dr. Hall

“A siloed approach will not work today, particularly when we face an opioid epidemic which ends the lives of 2 to 3 people daily in this province alone.”, said Dr. Hall.

82% of the practitioners who attended the Review plan to take part in future HIV-related events while 65% found the event a useful networking opportunity. The BC-CfE is currently considering hosting a similar meeting in 2020 for practitioners serving in downtown Vancouver. To find out about other upcoming BC-CfE events, webinars and training courses, visit: www.education.bccfe.ca/.

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