Fostering Thompson Region primary care provider leadership

Abstract

Extreme weather events such as wildfires and floods have impacted rural communities in British Columbia’s interior in recent years. This action-oriented study explored the following primary research question: “How might the Thompson Region Division of Family Practice foster primary care provider leadership during extreme weather events?” This project was designed following the Royal Roads University Ethics Policy and Tri-Council Ethical Guidelines and used qualitative interviews in combination with an arts-based method to generate stories about leadership during displacement due to wildfires and floods from rural-practicing primary care providers. Study findings revealed five key themes: lack of primary care provider involvement in emergency response, preparation and experience, values and leadership styles, collaboration and teamwork, and personal and professional balance. The resulting recommendations were to involve primary care providers in emergency preparedness and response, offer or promote leadership opportunities for primary care providers, and share supports for providers and patients.