BRIC NS is a Nova Scotia-based research network that aims to improve health and quality of life for people with–or at risk of developing–complex healthcare needs. People with complex health care needs face many challenges. Some of their needs can be met within the health care system, but they may also need support from outside the system, in such areas as education and social services.
BRIC NS and its partner networks across Canada are working together to find better ways of delivering primary health care services and integrating research findings into practice more seamlessly–with each other and with services and resources beyond the healthcare system.
Improving accessibility and integration of services will ensure that people with chronic illnesses receive better, more timely and more comprehensive care. This, in turn, can slow the progression of disease, prevent complications, and keep symptoms under better control, reducing the need for hospitalizations, invasive procedures and expensive drugs. By finding strategic ways to address determinants of health at the community level, BRIC NS researchers and their collaborators also hope to prevent the development of serious illness, especially for people at high risk.
Currently, Nova Scotia patients make up the top 5 percent of users of the provincial health care system, or “high needs” patients, use as much as 65 percent of total hospital and physician resources. More proactive, preventive and streamlined comprehensive care for these patients is feasible due to their relatively small numbers and will render enormous savings over time–not only in terms of health care dollars but in terms of the length and quality of people’s lives.’
“BRIC NS is building capacity and momentum to address such vital questions as, how we keep people healthy, how do we identify and mitigate risk, how can we help them manage their condition at home, and how can we provide seamless transitions between levels of care?”
–Dr. Sara Kirk, Scientific Director, Healthy Populations Institute, Co-Investigator, BRIC NS
BRIC NS’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Statement
The Building Research for Integrated Primary Healthcare in Nova Scotia (BRIC-NS) Network is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all members, award nominees, students, patient partners, and the public, feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias.
The BRIC-NS Network is committed to being non-discriminatory and providing equal opportunities for advancement in all areas of our work. We strive to reflect the diversity in our community through our outreach and engagements activities which play a vital role in our strategic planning, knowledge dissemination and operations of the network.
We respect and value that diverse lived experiences that our members bring to our network, and we strive to listen and to value their views. We are committed to modelling diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.
BRIC NS 