A weekend of discussion in Toronto started with guideline creators talking about the need for better tools of integration into practice. This CIHR funded day brought together many guideline authors such as the Canadian Diabetic Association and Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Principles were established some of which were surprising. For example “There is no need to develop a tool for a poor guideline”. This acknowledges the bias inherent in some guidelines or the reliance on expert advice when evidence from trials is not available. Some of the discussion raised the importance of electronic medical records while recognizing that with the high prevalence of multi morbidity this in itself is not a solution.
At the same time the CCFP had started it’s weekend to determine the strategic direction of the section of researchers
Key areas are
- Community Engagement
- Advocacy and Support
- Integration
- External Relationships
- Capacity Building
The group worked on adding detail to this and a report will be emerging from this workshop. One objective is that there will be a Primary Health Care Institute in CIHR within 5 years. This could transform research funding for primary care researchers, not necessarily more money, but possibly more equity. As we approach the deadline for the largest funding investment in primary care research from CIHR ever there is a feeling that things are changing for the better. Good luck to all the UBC applicants.
Martin