Recently, the OCA assisted with the development of a new project with the University Health Network and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). The OCA is involved in an advisory capacity to pilot three Interprofessional Spine Assessment and Education Clinics (ISAEC) in Ontario. The pilot's goal is to implement and test a rapid assessment and chronic condition management approach to care for low back pain (LBP) patients with the aim of:
- Improving outcomes and satisfaction with health care delivery for patients with recurrent, persistent, sub-acute or chronic LBP;
- Decreasing utilization of lumbar spine MRIs; and
- Reducing unnecessary referrals to LBP-related specialists.
The pilot will establish three ISAECs in the Toronto, Hamilton and Thunder Bay regions. One hospital site per region will serve as the physical hub for the region's ISAEC. Each site will have a dedicated Practice Leader and at least five part-time Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) - in Toronto there will be 10 APCs - with independent practices in the community. All ISAECs will be connected through a centralized referral and scheduling portal.
Recruitment notices for the position of APCs were shared with the membership and we are pleased to share that 50% of the successful applicants are chiropractors. As key members of the ISAEC project, the APCs are the first and primary point of contact for consultation and assessment of referred patients. Two of the three Practice Leader positions were also filled by chiropractors. As with the Consulting Chiropractor Role in Primary Care Project reported on in the spring, this is a further step towards expanding the role chiropractors play within the health care system.
The ISAEC project is one component of the MOHLTC's overall low back pain strategy to improve the quality and efficiency of treatment for LBP. At this time, the other components include - a schedule of benefits amendment for physician services and provincial provider education/support for family physicians, general practitioners and nurse practitioners. This strategy is designed to:
- Decrease wait times for medically-necessary diagnostic imaging, and
- Improve outcomes for patients suffering from LBP.
The MOHLTC has released the following information bulletin and webpage on the three components of this strategy:
Info Bulletin Aug. 28, 2012 - Provincial Low Back Strategy >>
Excellent Care for All - Low Back Strategy >>
At this time, the MOHLTC is accepting letter of interests from family physicians, general practitioners and nurse practitioners to refer patients to ISAEC and participate in the provider education training program.
We will continue to share updates on the project's progress and developments in the coming months.
For further information please contact Andrea Endicott, Senior Health Policy Analyst at aendicott@chiropractic.on.ca, or at 416-860-7188 or toll-free at
1-877-327-2273, ext. 7188.
