The BC emergency medicine network: Evaluation approach and early findings

Abstract

Background: Clinical networks have been found to provide benefits such as better and more standardized patient care and greater satisfaction for practitioners. In September 2017 the BC Emergency Medicine Network (EM Network) was launched to help practitioners deliver the best care. The EM Network’s website was developed to provide individual practitioners with access to clinical resources, research and innovation initiatives, continuing professional development, and real-time support. Since surprisingly little is known about how clinical networks are best structured and developed, the plans for the EM Network included an early evaluation process to document and guide growth. Methods: Overall function of the EM Network after 1 year of operation was evaluated by analyzing membership and online engagement data and by conducting an online quantitative survey and subsequent quali-feedback. Google Maps, Google An-tative interviews to obtain member alytics, and Twitter Analytics were used, as well as PARTNER (Program to Analyze, Record, and Track Networks to Enhance Relationships), tool. The BC Ethics Harmonization a validated social network analysis Initiative advised that formal ethics approval was not needed because the study fits within a quality improvement framework. Results: During the study period, the EM Network consisted of 622 of 1400 eligible members (44%) from 79 of 108 emergency care sites in BC (73%). Each month an average of 999 active users visited the website. While survey respondents indicated the EM Network is credible and respected, many were unaware of its purpose and offerings. Averaged vey respondents regarding three scores for the perceptions of sur-involvement, resource contribution) network values (power/influence, ranged from 2.36 to 2.52, with 3.00 being considered good. When survey supported in their work by the Net-respondents were asked if they felt ported” or “somewhat supported.” Conclusions: Our findings highlight a network is launched to identify the need for early evaluation after development needs. While our results must be interpreted cautiously because the EM Network is young, membership and online engagement data and member feedback indicate we need to increase awareness of offerings and encourage more online dialogue. Regular re-evaluation strengthen this initiative. is planned to monitor progress and strengthen this initiative.