Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is proud to announce its partnership with the Baycrest Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program, a pioneering initiative designed to improve the care and support of patients with dementia. This collaboration ensures that CMH’s inpatients who have, or are suspected of having, dementia and are exhibiting responsive behaviors, receive the specialized care they need.
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The VBM Program provides a short-term, behavioural medicine consultation service that leverages virtual consultations to address challenging neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as severe agitation and physical expressions of anger. By working closely with the patient, family, and care team, the Baycrest team reviews medications, medical and family histories, co-morbidities, and symptoms to determine the most effective medication and behaviour support strategies. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate needs of the patients but also lays the foundation for a successful transition home or to long-term care.
CMH’s Inpatient Unit began referring eligible patients to the VBM Program in February 2024, recognizing the significant impact it can have on managing responsive behaviours and improving the overall patient experience. The partnership exemplifies CMH's ongoing commitment to enhancing dementia care within the community, providing patients and their families with the support they need during critical times.
Heather Campbell, Vice President of Patient Care at CMH, expressed her excitement for the partnership, stating, "Our partnership with the Virtual Behavioural Medicine Program aligns with CMH's mission to provide comprehensive care to our community. By collaborating with this program, we ensure that individuals with dementia receive the specialized support they need to improve their quality of life and help reduce repeat hospitalizations."
Patients referred to the VBM Program undergo a thorough assessment, which may include virtual appointments lasting between one to two hours, followed by shorter, focused follow-up sessions. These consultations are conducted via accessible platforms such as the Ontario Telehealth Network (OTN), Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, ensuring that care is both timely and convenient.
Quick Facts:
- The VBM Program is a collaboration between the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic at the Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioural Support at Baycrest, and the Toronto Central Behavioural Support for Seniors Program (TC-BSSP).
- The VBM Program team includes specialists in behavioural neurology, geriatric psychiatry, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, neuropsychologists, and behavioural support clinical navigators.
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