Connexion Nordique Presents at the McGill High Value Care Symposium"

Photo credit: Ada Prunescu, Department of Medicine

On June 18, 2024, Dr. Michelle Kwok and Dr. Michael Fein co-presented at the McGill University Health Centre’s High Value Care Symposium. The theme of this year’s event, “Using Electronic Health Data to Enhance Patient Care Quality,” provided a unique opportunity to showcase the transformative work of Connexion Nordique, a project aimed at linking northern Indigenous communities to the MUHC Allergy/Immunology Department through virtual health services.

The presentation highlighted the importance of using telemedicine and cultural sensitivity to bridge healthcare gaps for remote communities, making specialized care more accessible to populations in need.

Project Updates

Since its launch, Connexion Nordique has made significant strides in improving healthcare access for the communities of Nunavik and the Cree Territory of James Bay. Some of the key milestones include:

• Virtual Clinics: These clinics, launched in June 2024 in partnership with the Cree Health Board, now connect with one to two different communities each month. This initiative has been vital in providing consistent care and reducing the logistical burdens of travel for patients in remote regions.

• Cultural Sensitivity Training: In collaboration with the Cree Health Board’s elders and resources from the Avataq Cultural Institute, Connexion Nordique is rolling out cultural safety training. This training aims to address the specific healthcare needs of the Nunavik population, ensuring that services are respectful, effective, and culturally appropriate.

• Surveys: Feedback from Indigenous patients who are flown in for in-person appointments is being used to shape future care models. These surveys are critical in identifying gaps and ensuring that services are tailored to meet the cultural and practical needs of the community.

• Education Sessions: The first virtual education session for local physicians in Nunavik was launched as part of our ongoing effort to build healthcare capacity in the region. More sessions are planned for the fall, focusing on key aspects of allergy and immunology care, as well as fostering a sustainable model of healthcare delivery.

• Fly-in Visits: Regular visits to northern communities continue to strengthen trust and foster deeper relationships with local healthcare workers and community members, ensuring that Connexion Nordique remains connected to the realities of life in remote areas.

Photo credit: Sebastian Oancea, Fractional Media

Team Contributions

The success of Connexion Nordique at the symposium wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our dedicated team members. Here’s a look at the personal reflections of Maryam El Alaoui and Megan Park, who played key roles in making this presentation happen.

Maryam El Alaoui:

"My name is Maryam El Alaoui, and I’m entering my second year of the MSc Public Health program at McGill University. I recently graduated with a BA in Cognitive Science, also from McGill. My passion for global health equity and medicine led me to join the Connexion Nordique team, where I contribute to the Survey and Protocols team."

At the High Value Care Symposium, I felt both excitement and a little nervousness, surrounded by doctors, students, and residents sharing their research. It was inspiring to engage with medical students and hear about their projects and aspirations. For me, high value care means providing the highest-quality, cost-effective, and patient-centered healthcare. Connexion Nordique perfectly aligns with my goal of breaking barriers to care in remote communities, particularly through our virtual allergy clinic in Nunavik. By applying public health knowledge, we’re addressing the specific needs of the Nunavik population and using health promotion strategies to enhance care delivery and accessibility in these remote areas."

Megan Park:

"Participating in the Connexion Nordique project has been incredibly fulfilling. Presenting at the McGill DOM High Value Healthcare Symposium was a proud moment for us as we shared our work on developing and implementing a comprehensive virtual health program that bridges the gap between Northern Indigenous populations and specialist allergy care at the MUHC."

My role was primarily creative, focusing on designing the poster that effectively communicated our project’s objectives and outcomes. Beyond that, the team has provided opportunities for creative contributions in website development, educational presentations, and even video editing. This experience has allowed me to integrate my creative skills into healthcare and reinforced my passion for pursuing a career at the intersection of medicine and the creative arts. I’m excited to continue contributing to this project and help us reach our goal of improving healthcare delivery for underserved First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations."