The Northern Health Board said it was impressed with a presentation that described a unique partnership that is increasing physiotherapy services in Prince Rupert and the region.
The presentation occurred at the latest Northern Health board meeting on April 20.
The Prince Rupert Inter-professional Student-led Model (PRISM) Clinic, in partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC), offers rehabilitation services to patients with a large variety of injuries and chronic diseases. Following the primary health care approach, patients will receive services along a continuum: in the hospital, in the community, or in the patient’s home.
A physiotherapist clinical instructor supervises students from the UBC Masters of Physical Therapy, UBC Masters of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, and the UBC Rehabilitation Assistant programs. It is based on a model that was first used at New Westminster’s Royal Columbian Hospital in 2008 and has been adapted for the North.
“The PRISM clinic (in operation since November 2013) is an example of another innovative partnership between Northern Health and post-secondary partners to help us deliver services for residents closer to their homes, in northern B.C.,” said Dr. Charles Jago, Northern Health board chair.
“It is through the leadership of our staff and physicians that Northern Health finds creative ways to partner with the post-secondary institutions to give students hands-on experience with a focus on better care for patients.”