Patient Services

Introducing....the CVFP POET project

Crowfoot Village Family Practice (CVFP) is embarking on an innovative new direction to improve patient centered care at our clinic. Your physician has a dedicated assistant know as a POET (proactive office encounter technician). Working with your physician and nurse, the POET will ensure your office visit is productive, prepared, and thorough. Following the appointment, she will ensure appropriate follow up. The POET role will evolve over the next few months. The POET will help with medications, assisting patients with investigation arrangements and specialist referrals, and ensuring patient follow-up. Using current guidelines, we can ensure patients are getting all recommended care.

What will the POET do?

When the program is fully implemented, the POET will review your file before your appointment. She may contact you to get blood work, or other investigations prior to your visit for review. She will ensure that investigations or referral letters are on the chart to increase the efficiency of your visit. She may check that your medications are refilled or get up to date health information. In short, the POET will ensure that the right preparation happens before the visit to ensure the visit is efficient and comprehensive

At the visit, the POET may do a brief history, take your blood pressure and ensure that your medications get appropriately refilled.

After the visit, the POET may contact you regarding results or follow up from your visit.

This is an evolution in how we will provide care. This won't happen all at once - you will be exposed to elements of the role as described above over the next 6 months.

Will the POET do this at every visit?

Not necessarily. Some visits may not need POET assistance.

Can I contact the POET at other times?

Yes. Your POET is a conduit to your physician and a coordinator of your health record. For your convenience, you can email your POET for timely replies.

Why is CVFP doing this?

We pride our clinic as being innovative and patient centered. "Anticipatory, patient centered care" is a important goal your physician and the CVFP team is committed to achieving!

What is this going to cost me?

There is no cost to you or 'the system'. Our unique payment mechanism from the government allows us to 'think outside the box' to provide patient care. We believe that the increased efficiency and comprehensive care will lead to improved access and health outcomes.

Who thought up this idea?

The POET concept has been used by a few clinics in Alberta and beyond. We have modified the role to suit our patient environment and practice.