The BC Emergency Medicine Network (EM Network) is pleased to announce its renewed funding support from The BC Academic Health Science Network (BC AHSN) through funding from the Ministry of Health. The EM Network is an initiative aimed at improving the quality of emergency care across BC.

Since its launch in 2017, the EM Network has created a large library of clinical resources and a robust network of over 1,000 emergency care providers. These members share knowledge and support one another to improve patient care. This knowledge sharing and pivotal leadership, especially in developing Real-Time Virtual Support, have been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BC AHSN funding has also allowed the growth of the EM Network Scientific Program, launched in 2020. This program optimizes the EM Network to evaluate the system and patient care impact of its activities.

With the support of the BC AHSN, the EM Network recently obtained access to nine health databases through a new provincial Health Data Platform (HDP). The HDP has the potential to transform health services research in BC. By measuring system impact through health data, the EM Network functions as a true Learning Health System.

“I’m thrilled that BC AHSN, through funding from the Ministry of Health, is able to financially support the BC Emergency Medicine Network for another year. This allows the EM Network to continue its outstanding and crucial work, building on the achievements made as a demonstration project of the BC SUPPORT Unit. With our support, they will continue to drive evidence-based improvement in emergency rooms across our province – especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.” – Dr. Stirling Bryan, President, BC Academic Health Science Network.

In addition to BC AHSN, the Network is grateful for its support and partnerships with the UBC Faculty of Medicine and the Rural Coordination Centre of BC.

The BC Emergency Medicine Network

Under a vision for “Exceptional emergency care. Everywhere”, the EM Network connects all emergency departments in BC through a collaborative, clinical network.

The Network delivers four core programs:

• Clinical Resources: point-of-care clinical support tools
• Innovation: research initiatives to improve practice
• Continuing Professional Development: access to ongoing learning opportunities
• Real-Time Virtual Support: instant access to virtual clinical and patient support.

The EM Network places a high value on patient feedback at all levels of governance. Additionally, the EM Network Patient Council provides input on all network activities.

The British Columbia Academic Health Science Network

The British Columbia Academic Health Science Network’s role is to advance learning health systems in BC and to enable innovations within the system that make the best use of provincial assets, resources and expertise. BC AHSN’s operational units include the BC SUPPORT Unit, Clinical Trials BC and Research Ethics BC.

Media Inquiries

Dr. Jim Christenson
Executive Lead, BC Emergency Medicine Network
jim@bcemergencynetwork.ca