Implementing Performance Improvement for Core Public Health Functions in BC

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BC Place – Session 2, Monday, May 29, 2006 from 14:00 – 15:30

Abstract Title: Implementing Performance Improvement for Core Public

Health Functions in BC – A Preliminary Report

Presenting Author:
Dr. Trevor Hancock
Public Health Consultant
BC Ministry of Health
4th Floor, 1515 Blanshard Street
Victoria BC V8W 3C8

Additional Authors: Lorna Storbakken
Director, Core Programs Implementation
Population Health and Wellness
BC Ministry of Health
4th Floor, 1515 Blanshard Street
Victoria BC V8W 3C8

Objective:
At the end of this session, participants will have an understanding of the basic concepts of performance in public health, an understanding of how these concepts are being implemented in BC, and the progress to date and the issues raised and lessons learned in the process, as well as an overview of the core programs website.

Background:
The BC Ministry of Health is committed to strengthening and renewing public health in BC. A key part of the strategy has involved defining a set of core public health functions that health authorities are expected to carry out. Now the Ministry is working with the health authorities and the public health field to implement these core functions, using a performance improvement process. This process, which will take place over the next 5 – 6 years, begins with the development of an evidence-based model core program and performance measures for each of the 21 programs. Then each health authority will develop a performance improvement plan with targets tailored to its unique circumstances. The whole process is part of the performance agreement between the Ministry and the health authorities, and is supported by an extensive website. In this presentation, we will present the conceptual and theoretical base for this process, review the progress to date, demonstrate the website, and engage participants in a discussion of performance improvement in public health.

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