BANFF, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/18/12 -- The Accelerating Primary Care Conference hosted by the Primary Care Initiative is one of Canada's premier events in primary care held annually in Alberta, Canada and attracts hundreds of participants. Leading primary care professionals from the provincial, national and international community gather to present information and exchange strategies on primary care service delivery.

The conference contains two days filled with sessions chaired by national and international primary care experts who have been invited to further develop several conference themes including:

1.  Describing what should be measured in primary care to demonstrate
    effectiveness 
2.  Outlining creative achievable strategies to address the issues facing
    primary care 
3.  Identifying steps that can be taken to improve the performance of
    primary care 
4.  Describing the vision for the future of primary care in Canada

There are more than twenty conference speakers including:

Michael Evans, Associate Professor, University of Toronto - creator of the 23 1/2 hours viral video

Steven Lewis, Adjunct Professor, Simon Fraser University, Conference Moderator

Neil Houston, GP, National Clinical Lead, Safety Improvement in Primary Care, Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Michael Allen, Director, Alberta College of Family Physicians

Positive, long-term health outcomes result from an effective and accessible primary care system. Research and practical application prove that consistent, available care by a dedicated team of multi-disciplinary health professionals means patients get the best care from the most appropriate care provider at the optimal time.

The goals of the conference are to provide opportunities for new research and knowledge to be shared by experts in primary care and to highlight Alberta's leadership in primary care in Canada. A further goal is to encourage and prepare practitioners to revolutionize their practices and policies, with an aim of improving local services and outcomes.

Join the conversation on Twitter with hashtags: #apcc12 #primary care.

On-site media may contact Kendall Olson.

Cell: 780.863.9481

Primary Care Networks are a made-in-Alberta approach to improve access to, and better co-ordinate, primary health care for Albertans. In a Primary Care Network, family physicians and other health professionals work together as a multi-disciplinary team to increase Albertans' access to the right care, from the right professional, at the right time. They also develop local solutions to local health issues. Primary Care Networks are created through the Primary Care Initiative, a tripartite agreement between Alberta Health and Wellness, the Alberta Medical Association and Alberta Health Services.