The CHUM Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (CHBP) is a specialized surgery unit that provides quaternary care and services. It treats a high volume of Quebec patients with complex clinical conditions. With the aim of improving the fluidity of care, a working group, which includes the CHBP and is supported by the Network Coordination Department, was formed in December 2018 (Phase 1) and in December 2020 (Phase 2).

A CHBP Rapid Access and Investigation Clinic was created to optimize outpatient investigation, standardize the investigation processes within a target time frame and analyze the relevancy of physician referrals at the CHUM and within the network, thereby avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations. The clinic is composed of an interdisciplinary team, including a resource nurse. This nurse provides comprehensive and holistic coverage to ensure they have the right patient, at the right time, in the right place. They work with professionals from the CHUM and within the network and act as the resource nurse throughout the investigation process to provide a personalized approach, thus reducing stress and anxiety for patients and their families. The clinic enables a rapid investigation response to patients’ needs and the creation care plan in collaboration with the referring physicians, while meeting target deadlines to avoid a deterioration in patient health.

Finally, with a view to continuous improvement, the participation of patient partners enables the clinic to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Project submitted by Sarah Al-Ameri, Head of Liaison, Systematic Postoperative Follow-up and the Access and Investigation Clinic.

Other contributors: Dr. Frank Vandenbroucke-Menu, CHBP Department Head; Eugénie Ducharme, Nurse Clinician, CHBP Clinic; Nancy Ramos, Nurse Clinician, CHBP Clinic; Renée St-Vil, Nurse Clinician, CHBP Clinic; Nathalie Corbeil, Administrative Officer, CHBP Clinic; Rosalie Ngo Mateck, AHN, Liaison, Systematic Postop Follow-up and Access and Investigation Clinic; Shana Bissonnette, Advanced Practice Nurse Clinician; Marie-Ève Desrosiers, Network Coordination Department Director; Nathalie Fortin, Assistant to the Director, Network Coordination Department; Dr. Frédéric Lavoie, Physician Co-Director, Network Coordination Department