CGP
07-24-2009, 10:59 PM
Read Full Article @ Globe & Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/canadians-happy-with-primary-health-care-study-says/article1229169/)
The largest survey on primary health care ever conducted in Canada found that most people have high praise for their family doctor, and a staggering 92 per cent would recommend their physician to a relative or friend.
Canadians – except those living in Nunavut – have excellent access to primary health care: 85 per cent of people aged 12 and older have a regular doctor, and two thirds have been seeing the same doctor for five years or more, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) study, released yesterday.
“I feel darn good that 92 per cent of Canadians would recommend their family doctor to a friend. That is the litmus test,” said Sharon Johnston, a family physician and University of Ottawa professor.
Very few Canadians complained about not having a family doctor – despite the oft-repeated grievance about a shortage of physicians in some parts of the country.
The report is being released just as the Canadian health-care system is coming under increased scrutiny south of the border. President Barack Obama is attempting to reform the U.S. system with a $1-trillion initiative that would bring health care to 47 million Americans who lack coverage. His opponents have complained about the spiralling cost of his proposed overhaul, and pointed to alleged shortcomings in Canada's health-care system.
The study is based on 11,000 respondents to a 2008 household-based survey and excludes those living on first nations reserves. It is important to note that it is based on patients' memories, which aren't always 100 per cent accurate.
Primary-care physicians deal with everything from chronic disease to mental health, maternity and child care, end-of-life care and common ailments such as flu.
The study found that 95 per cent of Canadians with chronic health conditions had a regular place of care, either a family doctor, or community health centre.
Two thirds of Canadians said their doctor allows them enough time to discuss their fears and concerns about their health.
More than 54 per cent of those surveyed required ongoing medical care within the past year. Of those, only 13 per cent experienced difficulties getting an appointment or contacting a doctor. Most were able to see a doctor within seven days.
Dr. Johnston said she was heartened by the study's many optimistic findings, including the relatively short wait times. Eighty-five per cent of adults requiring immediate care for a minor problem were seen within a day.
This is the first national study of its kind to analyze patients' expectations of primary care. It found that Canadians identified continuity, co-ordination, patient-centred care, satisfaction, outcomes and interpersonal communication as important features of the primary health-care system.
The largest survey on primary health care ever conducted in Canada found that most people have high praise for their family doctor, and a staggering 92 per cent would recommend their physician to a relative or friend.
Canadians – except those living in Nunavut – have excellent access to primary health care: 85 per cent of people aged 12 and older have a regular doctor, and two thirds have been seeing the same doctor for five years or more, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) study, released yesterday.
“I feel darn good that 92 per cent of Canadians would recommend their family doctor to a friend. That is the litmus test,” said Sharon Johnston, a family physician and University of Ottawa professor.
Very few Canadians complained about not having a family doctor – despite the oft-repeated grievance about a shortage of physicians in some parts of the country.
The report is being released just as the Canadian health-care system is coming under increased scrutiny south of the border. President Barack Obama is attempting to reform the U.S. system with a $1-trillion initiative that would bring health care to 47 million Americans who lack coverage. His opponents have complained about the spiralling cost of his proposed overhaul, and pointed to alleged shortcomings in Canada's health-care system.
The study is based on 11,000 respondents to a 2008 household-based survey and excludes those living on first nations reserves. It is important to note that it is based on patients' memories, which aren't always 100 per cent accurate.
Primary-care physicians deal with everything from chronic disease to mental health, maternity and child care, end-of-life care and common ailments such as flu.
The study found that 95 per cent of Canadians with chronic health conditions had a regular place of care, either a family doctor, or community health centre.
Two thirds of Canadians said their doctor allows them enough time to discuss their fears and concerns about their health.
More than 54 per cent of those surveyed required ongoing medical care within the past year. Of those, only 13 per cent experienced difficulties getting an appointment or contacting a doctor. Most were able to see a doctor within seven days.
Dr. Johnston said she was heartened by the study's many optimistic findings, including the relatively short wait times. Eighty-five per cent of adults requiring immediate care for a minor problem were seen within a day.
This is the first national study of its kind to analyze patients' expectations of primary care. It found that Canadians identified continuity, co-ordination, patient-centred care, satisfaction, outcomes and interpersonal communication as important features of the primary health-care system.