Family physicians and home care agencies--valuing each other's roles in primary care

In this era of primary-care reform, family physicians are being encouraged to work in teams with allied health professionals and community resources, including home care services, to ensure optimum care is provided to their patients.

To learn about the experiences of physicians working with home care services as provided by the Toronto Community Care Access Centre.

In early 2001, the Toronto Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) hosted focus groups designed to understand physicians' knowledge of and experiences with the home care services provided by our organization. Data analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology.

Three themes emerged: (1) family physicians have a limited understanding of home care services; (2) family physicians felt there were inconsistencies related to service provision by CCAC staff; and (3) family physicians felt that their role may not be valued when caring for mutual clients with CCACs.

Better educational interventions informing physicians on CCAC services and improved organizational practices by CCACs may aid in improving the connection between family physicians and CCACs.