Subgroups

Interdisciplinary Network of Canada (ITNC)

The Interdisciplinary Network of Canada (ITNC), a sub-group of the Trauma Association of Canada (TAC), whose members, typically non-physicians, are from all levels of health care facilities and agencies across Canada, who work towards reducing the burden of injury for the population at large. The purpose of ITNC is to work in collaboration with TAC to shape and advance trauma systems in Canada. Through its leadership, the ITNC actively promotes and supports the achievement of excellence in trauma systems along the continuum of care from injury prevention to rehabilitation.

Vision
Shaping the future of trauma systems in Canada.

Mission
ITNC actively promotes optimal trauma care through an inclusive approach to trauma system development and continuous improvement.

ITNC Values
The role of ITNC is to provide leadership in promoting and achieving excellence to the care of the injured patient within the trauma care system.

The ITNC Membership has established the following values to guide us in our work:

• Family-Centred Care
• Trauma Informed Care
• Teamwork
• System Integration
• Professional Development
• Quality Improvement
• Commitment to Excellence
• Open Communication
• Health and Well-being
• Injury Prevention and Health Promotion

 

Our History
In 1999, a small group of trauma managers and coordinators recognized the need to improve professional ties among those in similar trauma system positions. Later that year, several trauma coordinators and managers gathered in Ottawa, Canada to begin planning for the development of an organization that would strengthen the current network for professionals working in this field. Out of that meeting came the creation of the Trauma Coordinators of Canada (TCC). A second meeting was held in May of 2000, where the initial strategic plan for TCC was further developed by a larger group. This May 2000 meeting, attended by 15 trauma managers and coordinators, marked the first official meeting of the Trauma Coordinators of Canada.

Since May 2000, the TCC Executive has worked to establish the organization as a formal network within the Trauma Association of Canada. This model provides TCC with the unique opportunity to collaborate with TAC in a variety of ways, including: the provision of direct input into the development of strategies that will improve trauma care delivery; and participation in the development of trauma systems design throughout Canada. Through TCC, TAC has also been able to expand its non-physician membership.

In the spring of 2007, the TCC executive and membership felt that their name no longer represented its growing membership. The membership had evolved from trauma program managers and coordinators to now include all disciplines along the trauma continuum, including, NP’s, CNS’s, Trauma educators, clinicians, clinical nurses, Injury Prevention specialists, paramedics, Canadian Forces Military Nurses and researchers. The membership felt that the name should truly represent the national network that it had become. In April of 2008, at the TAC annual scientific meeting in Whistler, the membership officially changed their name to The Interdisciplinary Trauma Network of Canada (ITNC).

The ITNC membership meets on a yearly basis in conjunction with the Trauma Association of Canada’s Annual Conference with virtual education/ networking sessions planned throughout the year.

Not an ITNC member?  Want to know more?  Have a look at the Terms of Reference-updated April 2022 to read more about us and about becoming part of the ITNC Executive.

Check out the member only section for:

• ITNC newsletters

• Summary of ITNC Day 2023 can be found in the member only section. This includes the ITNC AGM minutes, Case Study Discussion notes and evaluations of the day.

President
Jo-Ann Hnatiuk
Email:  ITNCexec@traumacanada.org

 

About ITNC

Become a TAC member and select (✓) ITNC to access:

• ITNC Trauma Program Resource
  • Helpful tips for working in a trauma system/program
  • Links to websites for injury prevention, clinical care, research, education and quality improvement
• List of performance improvement activities with contact information for people working in trauma from across Canada
• Newsletters
• Be eligible for ITNC rapid fire, poster, and oral presentations recognition.

 

ITNC Membership
Any individuals who is actively involved in the care of the trauma patient, including but not limited to coordinating or managing trauma care, trauma services, or the wider trauma system, is invited to join ITNC.

Membership in ITNC is included in the $125 annual Trauma Association of Canada (TAC) membership.

Benefits of ITNC Membership
Your ITNC membership fee helps support the work of ITNC, particularly in relation to the Annual ITNC Meeting held each year in conjunction with the TAC Annual Scientific Meeting.

There are also several ongoing projects that various ITNC members are working on. Past projects include establishing a Canadian Trauma Coordinator/Manager education program which will support orientation and mentorship of trauma system leaders; and formalizing the role the Trauma Coordinator/Manager in the TAC Trauma Centre Accreditation/Verification process. Current projects include standardization and quality improvement initiatives associated with trauma team activation, development of a competency curriculum for nurses working in trauma systems, and improvement of trauma care documentation The purpose of these projects are to further enhance and strengthen the trauma system in Canada. 

Throughout the year, you will receive updates from the ITNC Executive and various members regarding these activities and progress in the continued development of ITNC by way of newsletters and invitations to virtual networking events.

Defining Inclusive Trauma Systems

An inclusive trauma system is understood to include an interdisciplinary approach to injury prevention initiatives, pre-hospital care, acute in-hospital care, rehabilitation, community partnerships, research, provider education and quality management initiatives.

ITNC Structure 

President	Jo-Ann Hnatiuk
Past President	Mélanie Bérubé
President Elect
Members at Large	Valerie Turcotte Amanda McFarland  Allyson Thomas Lara Gurney
Secretary	Amy Makish
Paediatric (Member at Large)	Liane Boisvert
TRISC (Member at Large)	Allison Chisholm
Injury Prevention (Member at Large	Joanne Sadler
Canadian Armed Forces (Member at Large)	Mary Sheffer

Trauma Registry Information Specialists of Canada (TRISC)

 

Are You a Member?

Please access your exclusive ITNC & TRISC information HERE