Building Stronger Health Outcomes:
Team Based Care Takes Shape at CUPS
At CUPS, we understand that lasting health and wellbeing begin with consistent, coordinated, community-based care. With a significant investment from the Government of Alberta through Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) funding, we are expanding our ability to provide integrated care by implementing a Team-Based Care (TBC) service delivery model in our Health Clinic.
The participants we work with at CUPS are seeking to address the combined effects of poverty, adversity, and systemic marginalization. As a Community Health Centre, we know that providing primary care and improving the health and wellbeing of individuals also requires supports and programs that will address the social determinants of health, such as income, housing and food security. Through the support of MAPS funding, CUPS will build on our longstanding commitments to holistic, person-centred care, and a deepening of our ability to walk alongside individuals and families navigating the complexities of systems that can often feel fragmented, overwhelming, or out of reach.
What is Team-Based Care?
Team-Based Care (TBC) connects individuals and families to a dedicated team of health and social service professionals who work together to support their health and wellbeing. This is a well-established model that improves continuity of care and attachment, increases access to healthcare, improves health outcomes for clients and enhances the overall experience for clients and care providers alike. Its core principles closely align with CUPS’ integrated care service delivery model we have been providing for many years.
For clients, Team-Based Care means having access to a dedicated team of providers—including medical office assistants, nurses, social workers, and primary health care providers. The benefit of this core team is that clients receive care from people who know their history, anticipate their needs, and offer timely, coordinated, and consistent support. Instead of starting over at each visit or navigating services alone, clients experience care that moves with them along every step of their healthcare journey.
How MAPS Empowers Team-Based Care
CUPS is one of four community health centres in Alberta selected to receive funding through the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative, alongside The Alex Community Health Centre, Jasper Place Wellness Centre, and Radius Health Centre. This investment supports changing our service delivery model and hiring over 20 staff, including allied health and support roles, which are essential to expanding access for vulnerable and marginalized Calgarians to Team-Based Care.
The overall impact of implementing TBC at CUPS will be to ensure vulnerable Calgarians experiencing poverty and marginalization have timely access to a primary care team that is integrated with multiple other providers and social support services—both at CUPS and through external collaborative referrals to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, this shift will support CUPS in providing culturally safe and appropriate care to populations that have experienced trauma, adverse childhood events, and who require a trauma-informed approach to care.
What to Expect as Team-Based Care Takes Shape at CUPS
CUPS is in the process of implementing the shift to Team-Based Care. This process will happen in stages, including the creation of a walk-in clinic that will support individuals who are currently not attached to a specific provider in addition to the teams supporting paneled patients. As this model takes shape, our community can expect to see meaningful changes in how care is delivered and experienced. These Include:
- An increased number of individuals and families connected to collaborative, consistent care teams
- More timely access to health services at CUPS
- Improved patient attachment to health providers, to create a medical “home”
- Improved continuity of care for individuals accessing services at CUPS
- Reduced reliance by attached patients on emergency and acute care services
- A more coordinated, compassionate experience for both clients and staff
The implementation of Team-Based Care marks a meaningful step forward in how we care for our community. As part of our broader integrated model of care across Health, Housing and Basic Needs, and Family and Child Development, this approach helps us better support individuals and families as they navigate complex challenges, find stability, and access the care they need, all in one familiar place.
With the continued support of our community, we are proud to take this important step toward building better systems and a stronger, more connected Calgary.