With support from two Specialist Services Committee grants, BCPS developed tools and resources to be used by community pediatricians to transition patients with complex/chronic conditions into adult care as they age out of pediatric care. The first project focused primarily on transitioning patients with medical conditions; this led to the second project, which focused on transitioning patients with mental health disorders.  Tools include a Transition Timeline (based on BCCH On Trac program) and the Medical Transfer Summary Form. Resources includeinformation locating family physicians, “adult” specialists and mental health support; links to community resources for transitioning youth; and professional support/education for physicians who are transitioning youth out of their practice.

The BCPS Standing Committee on Child and Youth Mental Health focuses on improvements to the systems of delivering child and youth mental health services.

The committee is currently improving the School/Physician Communication Form The original version is available here.  Check back soon for a newly updated form and use instructions.

The Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Community of Practice (CYMHSU CoP) brings together Specialists, Family Physicians, Community Agencies and Government to learn from each other and improve patient care.  The CoP is exploring where Pediatricians are working in/connecting with schools.

The BCPS has some HPV vaccine resources for physicians and families.

The BCPS has some excellent resources for physicians and families in regard to vaccines.  For physicians, the BCPS produces an Immunization Schedule and an Immunization Schedule for Children with High Risk Conditions. We also provide resources on Non-Publicly Funded Vaccines.

Doctors Jane Finlay, Aven Poynter, and Wilma Arruda have met with Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, in regard to wait lists for infant immunizations and our concern that Public Health Units are not discussing non-publicly funded vaccines with parents.

The Project Goal is to establish and provincially disseminate a model for family-centered, integrated support of children and youth with complex neurodevelopmental disorders (e. g., Autism, FAS, Down syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities) and related behavioural/mental health needs.  Individuals who have complex needs and their families, require integrated support from educational services, Psychologists, community agencies (e.g., The Centre for Child Development), Ministry of Child & Family Development (MCFD), general practitioners, community and developmental Paediatricians, as well as Paediatric Psychiatrists/Neuropsychiatrists.

We recently hosted two Journal Club events focused on Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Recordings for these sessions, together with the presentation slide decks are accessible on the members’ only portion our website.

The SipSmart program has now officially been moved over to the Childhood Obesity Foundation on a perpetual license agreement.  They have put up a SipSmart website (sipsmart.ca) and have plans to update and expand the program.

We are strengthening our partnership with Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) to support our common interests. A CPS representative attends all BCPS Board of Directors meetings to ensure a two-way flow of timely information.