Project Lead: Dr. Tamara Leung

This project was proposed to increase and improve effective communication between Richmond Public Health and acute care providers with the focus of serving the pregnant women and their families of Richmond. In the course of preparing a workshop, leaders within Public Health and a primary care maternity provider/family physician had a series of discussions which in of themselves clarified some of the challenges and misunderstandings about services available to pregnant women and providers.

The “Promoting Seamless Transition Across the Continuum for Perinatal Families” workshop was presented on October 3, 2019. Of the 27 participants, there was a mix of Richmond-based physicians (obstetricians and family physicians), Richmond Public Health leaders and nurses, a Public Health Child and Family Therapist, medical office assistants of the obstetricians and the Noakes Maternity Clinic, a registered midwife, perinatal nurses, and Clinical Resource Nurses from 3BC and Public Health.

The presentation followed the journey of a fictional patient, highlighting the services available through the Richmond Public Health system. There was robust discussion between the audience and the presenters during the multiple intentional pauses spaced throughout the presentation as well as lingering discussions following the close. Some actions to be completed from the workshop include ensuring providers of maternity care have the tools to make an effective referral to Public Health services and a process will be reinstituted to ensure the referring source and the family doctor are aware of the outcome of the referral (i.e. close the loop of communication between Public Health and maternity care providers).

Comments/feedback given by participants:

“Thanks for the invite.  It was very informative.  I picked up a few things for patient info that will be very helpful.”

“I didn’t know (that one social indicator) was enough to refer to public health.”

“I was in touch with a strong sense of team in each of the team members’ contributions. Synergy at its finest!”

“It was really informative and helpful. :)”

“I really appreciated the insight into the full range of services offered in our community, and am impressed by what is accomplished. The presentation was interesting and engaging.”

Thank you to the Richmond Hospital Facility Engagement Society for funding this project.