Medical Leader Cardiovascular, Program Improvement and Integration Network (PIN)

The Medical Lead of a Program Improvement and Integration Network (PIN) is a key position in Alberta Health Services. In a triad with the Operational Lead (OL) and Integration Lead (IL), the ML is co-responsible for the overall direction of the PIN. The ML, OL and IL work collaboratively with the PIN Directors, executive team, operational leaders, working groups and Office of Partnerships for Health System Research, Innovation & Improvement (OP) to achieve the PIN mandate and objectives. The ML is also responsible for building and nurturing partnerships across the health system and engaging key stakeholders (both within and outside the PIN) to improve health outcomes, translate evidence into practice, and share and scale quality improvements across the province.
 

Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

In a competent and professional manner and in partnership with an OL and SPL, the ML:

Leadership 

• Co-leads the identification, planning and development of PIN initiatives, opportunities, priorities, and actions provincially. Work collaboratively with all health system partners, including Alberta Health Services (AHS) Zones, to determine priorities leading to improved outcomes, synergy and coordination across provincial health system activites;
• Advocates for PIN projects and process improvements, particularly those with a provincial scope and focus. Build interest and support by articulating the potential benefits of these actions, communicating evidence-based outcomes, and acknowledging the differences that exist across zones and health care delivery environments;
• Reduces unnecessary variation in care by promoting adoption of evidence-based workflows, order sets and care pathways, and embedding these into Connect Care.
• Provides strategic oversight, support, and input into projects while maintaining focus on the PINs mandate and key priorities
• Develops strategies, methods, and incentives to facilitate innovation, advance projects, mitigate barriers, resolve challenges, and support implementation of PIN recommendations;
• Works with the OL, IL and Office of Partnerships to align the research and evidence needs with PIN priorities
• Supports the core PIN team, including regular and active participation at weekly PIN leadership meetings

Stakeholder Communication

• Meets regularly with physicians, allied health partners, urban and rural clinician leaders, Zone Leads (including Zone Medical Directors), and PIN teams to listen to their priorities, exchange ideas, address gaps, and coordinate actions. This includes travelling to AHS Zones for an initial in-person visit and subsequently for face-to-face meetings;
• Engages in constructive, ongoing dialog with all stakeholder groups within AHS (i.e., patients, operational leaders and frontline physicians and staff, health care managers, researchers); and
• Develops strategies to foster and enhance communication across the network and connect key stakeholders.  Create opportunities to hear from front-line clinicians, incorporate their feedback, and build trust, consensus, and positive relationships with all health disciplines.
• Critical Analysis and Decision-Making
• Works with the IL,OL and Office of Partnerships to identify appropriate indicators, track outcomes and system performance, and interpret results;
• Uses measurement data, research outcomes, and feedback from stakeholders to inform PIN priorities, actions and decision making;
• Where appropriate, seeks opportunities to spread and scale PIN projects on a provincial level; and
• Uses the skills, expertise and resources the PINs possess to respond to requests from the AHS executive.
• Ensures that the work of the PIN supports delivery of AHS core services and supports frontline physicians, staff and managers to accomplish their work in a more efficient and seamless manner.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Fosters strong partnerships with Zone Medical Directors and AHS operational leaders, Alberta Health, primary care networks, professional colleges and academic institutions to align strategic priorities and build relationships;
• Provides input to AHS teams and other stakeholders into provincial planning and priorities on behalf of PIN members;
• Engages and recruit leading clinicians to be active members of the PIN, and participate in projects that support the PIN mandate;
• Fosters and nurture strong partnerships and alliances with MLs, OLs, ILs of all PINs. Collaborate on matters of common interest and seek opportunities to address pan‑PIN priorities in health care delivery and health research; and
• Establishes and strengthen relationships with national and international partners and stakeholders through consultation and participation in a variety of meetings.

Knowledge Translation

• Supports effective knowledge translation, including (but not limited to) communication with operational leaders and effective clinical engagement, as required. Incorporate knowledge translation and evaluation into all PIN research and innovation projects; and
• Collaborates with MLs, OLs, ILs of all PINs, along with the Office of Partnerships, to support pan-PIN knowledge translation priorities and goals. Communicate these goals and engage all health partners in helping to scale and spread PIN quality.