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Practice Support Program – Evolving Quality Improvement

Practice Support Program

The Practice Support Program (PSP) stands as a cornerstone initiative in British Columbia’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality and efficiency of primary care. Launched by the General Practice Services Committee (GPSC), the PSP is designed to equip physicians and their teams with the tools, training, and support necessary to enhance patient care while also improving the operational workflows of family practices.

This article explores the evolution, structure, and future of the Practice Support Program, with a focus on how it empowers doctors and teams in British Columbia to better serve their patients through innovation and collaboration.

Origins & Purpose of  Practice Support Program

The Practice Support Program was conceived as a practical, collaborative solution to the challenges faced by primary care providers in British Columbia. Funded through the GPSC a partnership between the Doctors of BC and the BC Ministry of Health the Practice Support Program emphasizes continuous quality improvement, physician engagement, and support for the implementation of Patient Medical Home (PMH) principles.

The PSP is designed to:

  • Support physicians in adopting a team-based and proactive approach to healthcare.

  • Facilitate integration with community and specialist services.

Through tailored, in-practice supports and learning opportunities, the PSP helps physicians and their teams build capacity, adopt best practices, and implement system-level improvements that align with provincial healthcare goals.

Customization and Accessibility: Meeting Physicians Where They Are

One of the program’s defining characteristics is its customized approach. Recognizing that every family practice is unique, PSP’s offerings are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, Physician Peer Mentors and Regional Support Team members work directly with physicians to identify learning priorities and quality improvement goals that align with the specific needs of their practices.

This flexibility is crucial given the often-demanding schedules of healthcare providers. Practice Support Program ensures that its programs are practical, time-sensitive, and results-driven, allowing physicians to engage in learning without sacrificing clinical responsibilities. From workflow redesign and EMR optimization to care coordination and mental health integration, PSP services are adapted to reflect the operational realities of each clinic.

A Shift Toward Dynamic and Multi-Modal Learning

Over the years, the PSP has identified a need to modernize its educational delivery. Originally offered in the form of longer, more structured Learning Modules, these sessions while valuable required significant time commitments. As demand grew for more flexible and accessible options, the PSP began to explore innovative ways to enhance the learning experience.

In 2017, the PSP partnered with UBC Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD) to co-develop new models of education tailored to modern physician needs. The partnership focused on transforming the existing modules into dynamic, interactive, and multi-modal learning formats. The revised offerings maintained their clinical rigor while allowing for:

  • Shorter sessions that fit into busy schedules.

  • Interactive content to foster engagement and retention.

  • Online and hybrid options to increase reach across the province.

Topics such as chronic disease management, chronic pain, and palliative care were prioritized, given their relevance and demand within primary care. This project culminated in early 2020, setting the stage for a new generation of PSP education designed for greater impact.

In-Practice Support: From Learning to Implementation

Learning alone is not enough; meaningful change in healthcare requires implementation. That’s why the Practice Support Program doesn’t stop at education, it includes in-practice coaching and facilitation to help physicians apply what they’ve learned. Regional Support Teams assist practices in:

  • Assessing workflows and identifying improvement areas.

  • Setting achievable quality improvement goals.

  • Tracking progress through data-informed decision-making.

  • Building interdisciplinary team capacity.

  • Sustaining changes over time through continuous evaluation.

By embedding improvement activities directly into clinic operations, the Practice Support Program helps turn new knowledge into tangible outcomes. This hands-on support is a major contributor to the program’s effectiveness and sustainability.

Practice Support Program

Aligning with the Patient Medical Home Vision

A central aim of the PSP is to support practices in their journey toward becoming Patient Medical Homes (PMHs), a model of care that emphasizes patient-centeredness, longitudinal relationships, and coordinated, team-based care. PMHs are a foundational element of the province’s primary care transformation strategy, and the PSP is a critical enabler of this transition.

The PSP helps physicians adopt key PMH attributes, including:

  • Comprehensive care delivered by interdisciplinary teams.

  • Proactive population management and preventive care.

  • Continuity and coordination with other care providers.

  • Patient engagement and empowerment through shared decision-making.

These changes not only improve patient outcomes but also contribute to physician satisfaction and reduced burnout, as care becomes more organized and manageable.

Equity and Regional Delivery

The PSP is committed to ensuring that all physicians regardless of location have access to its services. Regional delivery teams ensure equitable support across urban, rural, and remote communities. These teams collaborate with local partners, health authorities, and divisions of family practice to identify and respond to the unique challenges of each area.

Whether a physician is working in a high-volume urban practice or a solo clinic in a rural setting, the PSP tailors its supports to reflect context, capacity, and community needs.

Partnerships and Continuous Improvement

The Practice Support Program’s success is built on collaboration. Beyond its partnership with UBC CPD, the PSP actively works with:

  • Health authorities to align local initiatives.

  • Community services to integrate social determinants of health.

  • Technology vendors to optimize electronic medical records.

By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the PSP ensures that quality improvement is not just a top-down mandate but a shared, community-driven endeavor.

The program also remains committed to evaluation and adaptation. Through regular feedback cycles, performance metrics, and physician input, the PSP continues to refine its offerings and explore new areas of impact.

How to Access PSP Services

Physicians and team members interested in participating in the Practice Support Program can do so through a variety of entry points:

  • Visit the PSP Exchange website: https://www.pspexchangebc.ca provides comprehensive information about available programs, regional contacts, and upcoming learning opportunities.

  • Connect with a Regional Support Team: These teams can provide direct in-practice support and help identify priority improvement areas.

  • Engage in peer-to-peer learning: Through Physician Peer Mentors and collaborative communities of practice, participants can share knowledge and experiences.

  • Explore toolkits and resources: The PSP offers downloadable resources tailored to common practice challenges.

Whether you’re a seasoned provider or new to the profession, the Practice Support Program is designed to meet you where you are and support your goals.

Conclusion: Building the Future of Primary Care Together

The Practice Support Program represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare transformation, one that places physicians at the center of quality improvement while recognizing the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and practical support.

As primary care continues to evolve in British Columbia, programs like the Practice Support Program will be essential in ensuring that providers are not only equipped to adapt but empowered to lead. Through a thoughtful blend of education, coaching, and community-building, the PSP is helping to create a healthcare system where better care, better teams, and better outcomes are possible, one practice at a time.

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