According to provincial authorities, Vancouver Island is unlikely to receive timely assistance from the mainland should a disaster occur, so it is critical for residents to be prepared and self-sufficient. Considerable evidence supports the value for a community in ensuring family physicians are disaster-ready. Primary care physicians can play an important role in ensuring the continuity of health service delivery, and from the individual FP’s perspective, advanced preparation can increase business resiliency and mitigate the disruption to an individual practice.

To support members in preparing for emergencies, the VDFP has created The Practice Continuity Guide for Family Physicians and associated Workbook. Using these tools will assist you in the creation of your own Practice Continuity Plan. You likely have a lot of the information already. The workbook helps you compile it in one place, so you have it on hand when you need it most. We hope working through this guide will encourage discussion in your office on how to best react and respond in an emergency. It only takes an afternoon to improve your clinic resiliency!

Completing the workbook will also assist with compliance with the Physicians and Surgeons of BC Assessment Standards for emergency preparedness.