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Family practice: gearing for geriatrics
Summary
Canada
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Health Services Research
- Demographic Health Trends in Canada
Background:
- The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Task Force on the Allocation of Health Care Resources predicted a significant increase in Canada's elderly population over the next two decades.
- This demographic shift necessitates proactive adjustments to the healthcare system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review essential modifications required for Canada's healthcare system in anticipation of a growing elderly population.
- To analyze the impact of these healthcare system changes on the role of family physicians.
Main Methods:
- Review of the 1984 CMA Task Force report findings.
- Analysis of projected demographic shifts in Canada's elderly population.
- Discussion of necessary healthcare system adaptations.
Main Results:
- The elderly population increase in Canada over the next 20 years is projected to exceed that of the subsequent century's first 20 years.
- The healthcare system requires substantial remodeling to accommodate this demographic change.
Conclusions:
- Proactive remodeling of Canada's healthcare system is crucial to address the impending demographic shift.
- Family physicians will experience significant changes in their practice due to these healthcare system adaptations.
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