I just realized that my last post was way back in June. I should apologize to the masses (ha!) who no doubt were wondering whether something ill had befallen me. No such luck! I'm still here! I guess I've been busy is all.
I have probably mentioned at some time in the past that I had submitted a rather lengthy Request for Unit Values to the Canadian institute for Health Information (which is the federal body empowered with, among a ton of other things related to healthcare in Canada, the administration of the MIS Guidelines; which as all Lab Techs know is the reference to which our bosses refer, ideally, when doing things like billing or perhaps comparison studies of workload between groups, etc.). This Request (actually multiple Requests included in the same package) was submitted by myself and my Manager at the time, Mr. Roy Neifer, in 2002. After an initial period of enthusiasm and false optimism, I soon realized just how slowly the bureaucratic wheels turn in Ottawa. After a couple of calls within the first year inquiring as to the state of progress of my Request, I was told (my words) to stop calling. There are two issues (at least) at play here. First is the fact that all of the duties which PAs perform go essentially unnoticed (as far as workload units are concerned). As a result, any institution which employs PAs and which depends upon accurate reporting of workload units is not getting an accurate picture of its staff's workload. In essence, PAs are being supported by the efforts of others; or, an alternative view...the provincial Ministry is not receiving accurate accounting of that institution's workload.
Anyway, I figured that I had been patient enough after three years. I couldn't contain myself any longer so I contacted the CIHI and they were good enough to return my call. They were very polite and, as they had 3 years previously, assured me that my Request had been lumped together with a number of other major Requests; now part of a 'reform' of workload units. I shuddered at the thought of having my Request being considered along with a number of others. I told the CIHI that I believed, insofar as this Request, unlike most others, was a totally new Request, not a revision of existing workload units. I told them that although I did not expect any special treatment, that 1. some urgency ought to be given this because it was totally new and 2. that the process which was being used to consider other Requests ought not be applied to this Request because it would be doomed to fail. I elaborated upon the evolution of PAs and that they perform duties which have heretofore been the sole responsibility of physicians. I got silence; then a promise that I would receive a call from the CIHI in the fall (this fall). I'll be patient but I'll also be realistic. I don't think that this Request can honestly be considered until PAs have the recognition that they deserve; until they achieve national certification. Which brings me to my next subject...
If memory serves (I don't know...time sure does seem to fly!), it was in the 2003 CAP summer Newsletter wherein a Position Statement was published that recognized that PAs exist; that they provide a valuable addition to healthcare; that they should have an accredited training program; should be certified nationally and regulated provincially. Dr. Cook circulated nationally a questionnaire to all pathology departments with an aim to compiling a list of all of Canada's PAs (every PA to whom I have spoken within the last 6 months or so has told me that they have their name on the CAP's list. This is indeed encouraging). The CAP AGM was held in June, 2005 and one of the ad hoc meetings concerned PAs and the strategy to achieve their certification. My offer of volunteering to sit on a committee was well received. I have yet to hear any news (and would dearly appreciate hearing something).
On a more positive note, UBC is working on drawing-up a curriculum for PAs, with the assistance of a PA! Now that IS good news, I think. I believe that several universities will have curricula drawn up long before PA certification actually takes place considering the glacial pace at which this important issue is 'progressing.'
If, as I expect, the final curriculum will be something like a 4-year BSc with, perhaps, an internship year added afterwards, it will be interesting to see what becomes of The University of Manitoba's PA program, which was expected to graduate its first 2 (Masters-level) PAs this past spring.
Things at Kelowna General Hospital are going very well. I have almost completed the first draft of a surgical pathology manual. Once a Medical Director is hired, we'll be able to proceed on approval of a final version of the manual (after consensus amongst the pathologists is achieved). The addition of an autopsy manual for Interior Health would be a welcome addition to ensure consistency throughout the Authority. I've started writing it but am a long way from completion on this one. With the prospect of QMPLS-like BC lab accreditation becoming a reality within the next 2-3 years, a Quality Manual will need to be a high priority very soon.
I was glad to receive an email from a fellow PA who was moving to BC from Ontario and was planning to look for employment in Vancouver or Victoria; he having found my address via this blog. I wish him luck (and welcome!).
I have probably mentioned at some time in the past that I had submitted a rather lengthy Request for Unit Values to the Canadian institute for Health Information (which is the federal body empowered with, among a ton of other things related to healthcare in Canada, the administration of the MIS Guidelines; which as all Lab Techs know is the reference to which our bosses refer, ideally, when doing things like billing or perhaps comparison studies of workload between groups, etc.). This Request (actually multiple Requests included in the same package) was submitted by myself and my Manager at the time, Mr. Roy Neifer, in 2002. After an initial period of enthusiasm and false optimism, I soon realized just how slowly the bureaucratic wheels turn in Ottawa. After a couple of calls within the first year inquiring as to the state of progress of my Request, I was told (my words) to stop calling. There are two issues (at least) at play here. First is the fact that all of the duties which PAs perform go essentially unnoticed (as far as workload units are concerned). As a result, any institution which employs PAs and which depends upon accurate reporting of workload units is not getting an accurate picture of its staff's workload. In essence, PAs are being supported by the efforts of others; or, an alternative view...the provincial Ministry is not receiving accurate accounting of that institution's workload.
Anyway, I figured that I had been patient enough after three years. I couldn't contain myself any longer so I contacted the CIHI and they were good enough to return my call. They were very polite and, as they had 3 years previously, assured me that my Request had been lumped together with a number of other major Requests; now part of a 'reform' of workload units. I shuddered at the thought of having my Request being considered along with a number of others. I told the CIHI that I believed, insofar as this Request, unlike most others, was a totally new Request, not a revision of existing workload units. I told them that although I did not expect any special treatment, that 1. some urgency ought to be given this because it was totally new and 2. that the process which was being used to consider other Requests ought not be applied to this Request because it would be doomed to fail. I elaborated upon the evolution of PAs and that they perform duties which have heretofore been the sole responsibility of physicians. I got silence; then a promise that I would receive a call from the CIHI in the fall (this fall). I'll be patient but I'll also be realistic. I don't think that this Request can honestly be considered until PAs have the recognition that they deserve; until they achieve national certification. Which brings me to my next subject...
If memory serves (I don't know...time sure does seem to fly!), it was in the 2003 CAP summer Newsletter wherein a Position Statement was published that recognized that PAs exist; that they provide a valuable addition to healthcare; that they should have an accredited training program; should be certified nationally and regulated provincially. Dr. Cook circulated nationally a questionnaire to all pathology departments with an aim to compiling a list of all of Canada's PAs (every PA to whom I have spoken within the last 6 months or so has told me that they have their name on the CAP's list. This is indeed encouraging). The CAP AGM was held in June, 2005 and one of the ad hoc meetings concerned PAs and the strategy to achieve their certification. My offer of volunteering to sit on a committee was well received. I have yet to hear any news (and would dearly appreciate hearing something).
On a more positive note, UBC is working on drawing-up a curriculum for PAs, with the assistance of a PA! Now that IS good news, I think. I believe that several universities will have curricula drawn up long before PA certification actually takes place considering the glacial pace at which this important issue is 'progressing.'
If, as I expect, the final curriculum will be something like a 4-year BSc with, perhaps, an internship year added afterwards, it will be interesting to see what becomes of The University of Manitoba's PA program, which was expected to graduate its first 2 (Masters-level) PAs this past spring.
Things at Kelowna General Hospital are going very well. I have almost completed the first draft of a surgical pathology manual. Once a Medical Director is hired, we'll be able to proceed on approval of a final version of the manual (after consensus amongst the pathologists is achieved). The addition of an autopsy manual for Interior Health would be a welcome addition to ensure consistency throughout the Authority. I've started writing it but am a long way from completion on this one. With the prospect of QMPLS-like BC lab accreditation becoming a reality within the next 2-3 years, a Quality Manual will need to be a high priority very soon.
I was glad to receive an email from a fellow PA who was moving to BC from Ontario and was planning to look for employment in Vancouver or Victoria; he having found my address via this blog. I wish him luck (and welcome!).
