Primary Care

Effective primary care is essential to a high performing health system.

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An effective PC system can:

• Improve population health , reduce neonatal and all-cause mortality, and improve preventive care

• Reduces overall health care utilization and takes pressure off emergency departments

• Primary care is critical to the health care system

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An effective PC system can:

• Result in cost savings, reduced wait times, and better physician supply and distribution. Better care at lower cost.

• Create new knowledge: The CIHR has also recognized the key importance of investment in primary care research

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Is getting involved in a PC Network worth

my time and effort?

• Playing a role in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system by

• Strengthening the PC system

• Integrating PC practices

• Giving PC a voice

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Primary Care

Specialists

Community Services

Allied Health Professionals

CCAC

Hospitals

Long-term Care

Health Link

PC Networks in each HLA

What is the fit with Health Links?

Readiness Assessment Template

7) Primary care is organized in such a way that would facilitate ease of integration with other providers in region.

8) The provider grouping includes a minimum of 65% of the primary care providers (organized and unorganized) in the area. M

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What’s in it for me? Better care for my patients.

• Health Links will be making clinical decisions that will directly affect the care to your patients.

• Health links will have funding. Have your say on where to invest!

• Have the satisfaction making your expertise available to the system

Bottom Line:

• As Primary Care Providers get more organized in a way that gives us a collective voice, the quality of care in Ontario will improve and costs will go down

• It is hard to argue that we do not share in this responsibility with the other Health sectors

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References:

• Showstack, J., et al., Primary care: the next renaissance. Ann Intern Med, 2003. 138(3): p. 268-72.

• Bindman, A.B. and A. Majeed, Primary care in the United States: organisation of primary care in the United States. Bmj, 2003. 326(7390): p. 631-4.

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References:• Shi, L., et al., The relationship between

primary care, income inequality, and mortality in US States, 1980-1995. J Am Board Fam Pract, 2003. 16(5): p. 412-22.

• Campbell, S., et al., Is the quality of care in general medical practice improving? Results of a longitudinal observational study. Br J Gen Pract, 2003. 53(489): p. 298-304.

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References:• Commission on the Future of Health Care in

Canada, Roy J. Romanow, Commissioner. Building on values: The future of health care in Canada: Final report. 2002.

• Health Council of Canada, Fixing the Foundation: An Update on Primary Health Care and Home Care Renewal in Canada 2008, Health Council of Canada: Toronto, ON.

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References:• McDonald, J., APHCRI Stream 7: Travelling

Research Report, Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute.

• Scott, A. and B. Coote, The Value of the Divisions Network: An Evaluation of the Effect of Divisions of General Practice on Primary Care Performance. 2007, University of Melbourne

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References:

• The World Health Report 2008: Primary Health Care - Now More Than Ever identifies that a well functioning primary care system is crucial for a high quality health system that is cost effective and equitable.

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QUESTIONS?

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