Event Recap & Resources
On June 17, 2026, providers and partners from across the region came together for Access: Right Care, Right Place — a physician-led working session focused on practical ways to improve patient access, reduce avoidable ER/UPCC use and support more sustainable clinic workflows.
Hosted by Dr. Mark Sherman and Dr. Sienna Bourdon, the session created space for open discussion, peer learning, and sharing real-world approaches that can make a difference in day-to-day practice.
About the Event
This session was designed as an interactive, practical working session — not a lecture — where participants could:
- Share what’s working (and what isn’t)
- Explore barriers to access in clinic settings
- Identify realistic, implementable improvements
- Contribute to the Division’s broader access initiative
Participants also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues facing similar pressures and contribute insight that will help shape ongoing project work.
Event Summary
We’ve compiled a summary of key themes and insights from the discussion:
- Desire for more hands-on support: Participants are looking for practical, in-clinic support to improve access, not just advice or recommendations, but active help implementing changes.
- Supports can feel too passive: Several attendees noted that existing improvement supports don’t always follow through at the clinic level and would benefit from a more proactive, “push” approach.
- Interest in small, focused improvements: There was strong interest in simple, achievable changes (e.g., a single monthly access improvement focus) that feel manageable and high impact.
- Systems change feels heavy for providers: While participants recognize the importance of systems-level solutions, they noted that this work can feel overwhelming given current workloads, and there is often limited direct benefit to them for taking it on.
- Need for centralized resources: Participants expressed interest in having easy access to tools, templates and best practices in one place to support access improvements.
- Value of peer discussion and shared learning: Table conversations were highly valued, with attendees learning from each other’s experiences and approaches.
- Importance of ongoing momentum: There is clear appetite for continued engagement, follow-up and visible next steps to ensure the conversation leads to action.
Session Highlights
Participants came away with:
- Practical ideas to improve patient access in their clinics
- Strategies to reduce unnecessary ER/UPCC visits
- Exposure to tools and templates to support workflow improvements
- Opportunities to learn from colleagues facing similar challenges
Presenter Slides
Dr. Sienna Bourdon & Dr. Mark Sherman presented on current state, what’s happening in our region, a quality improvement project led by Dr. Bourdon and some helpful resources.
See the presenter slides here: SIDFP access event June 17 2026 FINAL
Resources & Tools
Dr. Sienna Bourdon & Dr. Mark Sherman also shared some resources related to:
- Access workflow templates
- Patient communication tools
- Triage and intake resources
- Relevant guidelines and local pathways for support
PQI Shoreline Rapid Access appointment booking guideline (PDF)
Access Innovation Cards – Fall 2025 – Oct 30 (PDF)
Access Optimization Pick List 2026.01.06 (PDF)
Island Health is a great resource for patients to direct them to the right care in the right place.
FPSC’s Practice Support Program: contact your practice support coach, or email PSP at psp@doctorsofbc.ca, or submit a service request here and get started.
What’s Next
This session is part of a broader effort to support better patient access across the region.
Input gathered will directly inform:
- The Division’s access initiative and project work
- Future tools, supports and programming
- Ongoing opportunities for engagement and collaboration
We will continue to share updates, resources and opportunities to get involved.
Evaluation Survey
Please complete this short evaluation survey of the event. Your input helps us to better support your work and wellbeing.
Stay Connected
Have additional input or ideas, contact us at events@sidfp.com