The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program
The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program is a collaboration between the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic at the Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioural Support at Baycrest, and the Toronto Central Behavioural Support for Seniors Program (TC-BSSP).
What is VBM?
Using pharmacological and non-pharmacological expertise, VBM provides support in the management of challenging dementia related responsive behaviours, such as physical and verbal aggression, agitation, hallucinations and paranoia. This service is designed to be a short-term consultation service and is completely virtual, delivered using the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN).
Who Does VBM work with?
A referral is necessary to access the VBM Program.
Providing a rapid response when needed, the VBM team works closely with care teams and specialized geriatric services in acute care hospitals, long-term care homes and with family members in the community.
The VBM Program specialists include:
- Behavioural neurologists
- Neuro-psychiatrists
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Mental health professionals
- BSO team members
How to refer?
Referrals are processed through the Toronto Central Healthline Behaviour Support Coordination Office Hotline at Baycrest.
Healthcare practitioners can contact the BSO Hotline seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays 416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500
Please fill in the below referral form and related documents and send to the BSO Coordinating Office: Fax Referral to 647-788-4883 or Email to behaviouralsupport@baycrest.org; 416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500
Referral Videos for Clinicians
Videos Here
What to expect?
Your referral will be triaged and you will be contacted by the BSO Intake Clinical Navigator from the BSO Coordinating Office to complete any additional information, assess level of urgency and facilitate the referral and scheduling.
You will receive an email from the Baycrest Sam & Ida Ross Memory Clinic, with details of appointment time and length, some general information to prepare for the appointment, including a link to the Ontario Telehealth Network (OTN) to access the appointment. We encourage you to test the link beforehand to ensure a smooth OTN virtual experience.
For any questions, please contact our behaviour support hotline at: behaviouralsupport@baycrest.org OR 416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500
VBM Clinical E-Learning
Specifically designed for clinicians this e-learning course provides an introduction to the VBM program and its benefits. Click the link below to access this complimentary course.
VBM Family and Caregiver E-Learning
This course is designed to offer an introduction to our VBM program for families and caregivers of individuals with unmanaged neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Click the link below to access this complimentary course and learn more about VBM.
https://vbm.learnworlds.com/
Additional Resources