Who are the member organizations of OICH?
Ottawa Inner City Health is comprised of the corporations who serve the homeless in Ottawa which includes:
The Ottawa Mission, The Ottawa Booth Centre (Salvation Army), The Shepherds of Good Hope, Cornerstone, The Ottawa Hospital, The City of Ottawa People Services, The University of Ottawa, Carefor, The Champlain Community Care Access Centre, The Royal Ottawa Hospital, The Canadian Mental Health Association, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, Somerset West Community Health Centre, Centretown Community Health Centre, Centre 454, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, The Ottawa Police Department, Desjardin Health Care Group,
How do you use technology to improve care outcomes?
OICH has tried to incorporate the best use of new technology to improve health care outcomes for our clients. Since our inception, OICH has used an electronic health records system which is accessible to health care providers through the internet. This access facilitates the coordination of care between service locations and allows the easy flow of health information between the community and the hospital health systems. Currently, OICH is using an electronic health care record called OSCAR which was developed at McMaster University and is involved in the implementation of a system for coordinating the care of homeless clients called CAISI which is being developed in Toronto.
Timely communication and keeping good medical records are key to providing good quality health care. The OICH nurses are equipped with lap top computers and smartphones which allow them to communicate from any location in the community.
As a student, what type of activities would I be involved in if I came as an elective student within the Inner City Health program and would I get credit for this?
Students are actively engaged in all activities of the project. In advance of any rotation, we meet with the learner to assess their educational needs. The program is designed to meet these whether they relate to clinical practice or research or both. While rotations may be just focused on clinical learning, we do encourage trainees to become engaged in other academic pursuits related to homelessness. As an affiliate of the University of Ottawa these rotations are considered part of the educational program.
How can I become engaged in research activities relating to homelessness?
It is important to develop a clear and concise research question. This should be done in conjunction with the program. In working with those involved, the necessary resources and partnerships will be identified and help will be provided to facilitate research ethics approval.
Are there funds available for research initiatives?
Often a research project can be accomplished without a significant requirement for funds. Nevertheless, the program will assist individuals in identifying external sources of revenue should this be required.
