SECTION 1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Project Name:		Coordinated Access
Task Force Chair:		Glenn Barnes
Project Lead:		Diane Blouin Bain
SECTION 1 PROJECT OBJECTIVE (S) / ANTICIPATED RESULTS
Describe key project objective(s To develop consistent and effective service access, ideally across the continuum as we know it; To develop a coordinated system for both addiction and concurrent disorder* clients, which works in collaboration with mental health and service providers, and recognizes the needs of the Francophone population, as well as other linguistic, cultural, and gender needs. This Coordinated System will include: - centralized information regarding treatment information in Ottawa ** - coordinated screening processes and protocols for the Champlain region - coordinated assessment processes and protocols in Ottawa - treatment planning and referrals in Ottawa -To enhance and formalize the working relationships between addiction agencies, mental health agencies and other allied services. The desired results are to reduce consumer confusion and frustration; improve access, reduce wait times for appropriate service, improve client matching for service and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. *In diagnostic terms, 'concurrent disorders' refers to any combination of mental health and substance use disorders. ** Aiming in the long-term to establish a Coordinated System Champlain-wide
SECTION 2 – PROJECT SCOPE
Project Description - Goal & Scope:		Essentially the project will: Identify system gaps in coordination and system linkages i.e. connection with primary care using for example MOHLTC’s The Standardized Tools and Criteria Manual: Helping Clients Navigate Addictions Treatment in Ontario as a guide, assess Ottawa’s current capacity to implement the recommended processes and suggested protocols for a coordinated assessment and treatment planning and referral process; Develop a promotional campaign including a brochure that outlines basic access information for service providers, allied partners and consumers regarding what’s available and how to contact relevant agencies within Ottawa and the Champlain District Establish with service providers a common screening process and protocols which will be consistently applied regardless of where a consumer accesses the system (strong consideration for Concurrent Disorder adult and youth) across the Champlain District. Attention needs to be focused also on the earlier points of contact i.e. early intervention, prevention. Identify gaps and barriers including those in service delivery, underserved, and diverse populations. (N.B. gaps and barriers identified for Francophone services and Aboriginal Populations – Core principles aligned with the Champlain LHIN IHSP)
SECTION 3 PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS
Identify project assumptions: - Access to service is difficult - Additional capacity is not in place to meet the demand created by an improved coordinated system - Counselling capacity is priority number 1 - Key goal of coordinated access in the system is to look at primary care, early intervention and support. Start identifying where the client is placed on the spectrum (from early experimentation to acute chronic cases) in an attempt to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for that patient/client.
SECTION 4 PROJECT RISKS
Identify project risks: -Careful not to create a large front loaded service to the detriment of the end service i.e. concern of diversion from treatment to coordination - Implosion of service - Cynicism and fatigue toward s planning processes such as these. Need to acknowledge this and situate this initiative within a change management framework. (Le Guichet has however sparked some hope)
Key Success Factors (project level) The critical success factors will be to: Ensure a process which enhances each service provider’s capacity rather than a reduction of an existing service unless agreed upon by the service providers; Be based on established best practice and/or not contrary to existing funded service contracts unless mutually agreed upon by the funder and service provider Have sufficient resources available to remedy the barriers identified in the process Success will be measured along the spectrum ( from early experimentation to acute chronic cases) by: An improvement in the accessibility, treatment effectiveness, and system efficiency by providing a seamless continuum of high-quality and client-centered care.
SECTION 5 PROJECT INTEGRATION – Associated Projects
Identify other project(s)/initiatives that are linked to this project: Keep in mind integration opportunities -Central access/screening in Eastern Counties -Shared waiting list -Link with DART, Guichet Francophone, 211, and Eastern Counties
SECTION 6 PROJECT PLANNING RESOURCES
Identify project resources required to carry out the planning of the project:
Team members:	Glenn Barnes Jane Fjeld And others from the Treatment Taskforce
Other: (Research, meeting rooms etc)
Identify solutions that can be achieved to demonstrate success and execution: Short Term (less than 6 months) - Stages: start with information and referral - Interface with other sectors can also be integrated - Develop broader discussion paper on Broader Integrated System need Medium Term (6-18 months) - followed by screening, assessment - Start where the “bigger bang for our buck is” and in segments i.e. Employers, GPs, the military, hospitals. Long Term (more than 18 months) -followed by client matching -Public forum where early intervention is addressed and issues discussed i.e. employers’ costs for low productivity, short-term disabilities, absenteeism etc.