Palliative care remains limited for marginalized populations, including refugees, who are only eligible for the Interim Federal Health Plan (IFHP) until provincial coverage begins. While IFHP offers some home-based palliative support, it is often inaccessible due to administrative burdens, leading to overuse of acute care. To address this, GPS Health Navigators launched in January 2024 in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, modeling provincial homecare coordination. Patients are assessed (either virtually or in-person) by a palliative physician and nurse navigator, who connect them to services to reduce hospital admissions. Funded by the DFM Research Fund and Healthcare Excellence Canada, a multi-year collaboration with hospices and a community health center supports program design and expansion. Early successes include provider network growth, improved referrals, and enabling patients to die in preferred settings. Challenges include staffing fluctuations and securing consistent care providers. The initiative strives to ensure equitable, compassionate palliative care access. Patients and patient caregivers generally expressed deep appreciation for the support they received. They felt the program provided much-needed relief, both emotionally and physically, allowing them time to rest, manage personal tasks, etc. Overall, the services were described as responsive, supportive, and essential to maintaining both caregiver and patient well-being.
Visit the GPS Health Navigators website.
PIs: Humaira Saeed and Priya Gupta
Contact: Ashlinder Gill (gilla89@mcmaster.ca)
Research Project Update
Research Project Update, VIP Lab