Photo: Campbell River project leads, Dr Jennifer Kask (family medicine) and Dr Valentyna Koval (internal medicine). 

"I didn’t know that preeclampsia and heart disease are linked. I am glad I was referred and that my baby was able to have a checkup too.” — Clinic patient

In Campbell River, a community of 35,000 on Vancouver Island, a groundbreaking initiative is tackling pregnancy-related cardiovascular risks. The Birth Related Cardiovascular Health (BiRCH) Clinic, launched in May 2023, aims to support at-risk mothers post-birth. Physicians at the local hospital identified a critical gap: 27% of patients experienced complications of pregnancy associated with future cardiovascular risk, yet none received formal follow-up care.  

The solution

With no referral process in place, the need for a solution was urgent. Thanks to the collaboration of local physicians and Facility Engagement funding, BiRCH was born—a clinic dedicated to assessing the health of new mothers and their babies six months after delivery.

Impacts 

The clinic has already made a significant impact: In the first year, 70% of patients with risks were referred, and 57% attended the BiRCH Clinic. In the second year, 94% of patients with risks were referred, and 78% attended the BiRCH Clinic.

Remarkably, 100% of surveyed patients would recommend BiRCH to others facing similar challenges.

The success of this model has inspired neighbouring communities to replicate its approach, resulting in the SSC Spreading Quality Improvement (SQI) program supporting West Coast Hospital in Port Alberni as a receiving site, where local adaptation of the pathway continues.

Key takeaways and lessons learned

• The importance of bravery in initiating projects, utilizing available resources, and continually gathering patient feedback and data. 
• The BiRCH Clinic is paving the way for improved maternal health in smaller communities, proving that proactive engagement can lead to a transformative healthcare solution.

“Without FEI funding and the continuing support from SQI, we would not be doing this work!” – Dr Jennifer Kask, physician lead

Resources:

Additional clinician resources can be found at crbirchclinic.com.

BiRCH Clinic storyboard can be downloaded here.

The below BiRCH cards serve as an aide-memoire for clinicians. Request your own set here.