Abstract
Background: The High Priority Communities Strategy (HPCS) is an integrated community care approach focusing on the health needs of vulnerable communities in Ontario, Canada. By collaborating with health and social service organizations, HPCS aims to create programs, services, and resources that are informed by local insights and are culturally sensitive, thus enhancing access to healthcare services for their population. HPCS was initially formed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations (phase one) but has since evolved to provide support for chronic diseases, mental health and addictions, and primary care (phase two). HPCS has employed a multi-pronged approach across Ontario, including recruiting influential members of the community as program ambassadors, establishing mobile clinics and providing information through culturally appropriate and readily available mediums.
Evaluating HPCS is crucial for understanding its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. By assessing its impact, system partners can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and that the specific health needs of vulnerable communities are continually met.
Approach: Evaluation of the second phase of HPCS focuses on determining a) its effectiveness in reaching the intended population and reducing health disparities among vulnerable groups in Ontario and b) lessons learned from the implementation of HPCS to address population health and equity concerns that are a priority for the Ontario health care system, and for government.
In this evaluation, we employed document review methods to compare and contrast strategies that have been implemented across Ontario, identifying best practices and lessons learned. In addition, we are engaging with stakeholders, care providers, community ambassadors and patient users through semi-structured qualitative interviews to determine their experience and insights with program design and implementation as well as barriers and facilitators to successful program delivery.
Results: HPCS is currently being delivered across 17 vulnerable communities in Ontario. Early findings highlight the importance of recognizing community-specific needs. Additionally, by funding community ambassadors who possess local knowledge, HPCS empowered individuals to drive initiatives within their own settings, significantly increasing reach and penetration. This is further enhanced through strategic partnerships with community organizations, including faith-based groups. However, care is required to ensure that the evaluation is adapted to unique community contexts, while also allowing comparability across contexts.
In this presentation, we will delve deeper into the experiences of individuals directly involved with HPCS and highlight challenges that occur when implementing HPCS across varying settings, and innovative solutions to ensure health needs are met. Additionally, hearing from community members regarding their experience and opinions with the program is essential for HPCS sustainability.
Implications: By highlighting success stories and challenges, HPCS offers valuable lessons for the broader health system in Ontario and similar contexts worldwide.
The implications of this evaluation point to the potential of using community capacity to address inequities across a spectrum of health needs. As we seek to synergize health and care for a sustainable future, the HPCS model illustrates how integrated care can be leveraged to respond effectively to emerging health concerns while fostering equitable access and outcomes for all communities.