Situation
The GTA Rehab Network is recognized for its work in improving the planning and delivery of rehabilitative care. With a mandate to reduce fragmentation within the rehab system by improved coordination among providers, the Network had built an online service directory in 2004. However, by 2017 it was evident that the information was limited and, in some cases, not up to date.
Task
Rebuild the service directory, deepen the records by collecting additional information and create a custom user interface with enhanced search utility to present the new information clearly and concisely.
Action
A gap analysis detailed the extent of the data collection requirements, which were then addressed by adding new records to the database and implementing a new ‘expanded services information’ template to provide the detail needed by providers to support referral decisions. Data was then aligned with the provincial definitions frameworks for bedded and community-based levels of rehabilitative care, with new data standards written and inclusion criteria set. All integrated data was assessed to ensure that quality standards were met. A new interactive and responsive search tool was built to present the information to users. The tool featured filtered and detailed search as well as simple key word search and browse by category options. User training was provided to rehab professionals across the GTA Rehab Network organizations to ensure take-up and continued use of the new tool.
Results
Thehealthline delivered a provider-centred digital service directory containing more than 300 detailed records to support system navigation and care coordination across the GTA. The custom-built search tool enables users to easily and quickly find relevant health information. Launched in 2019, the new rehab services directory has found wide use across the sector.