Care for Patients with Complex Needs: Canadian Results from the Commonwealth Fund 2015 International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians

Good primary care is essential for the effective management of patients with chronic conditions in the community and to ensure their care is well coordinated with other parts of the system. The Commonwealth Fund 2015 International Health Policy Survey compares the views and experiences of primary care physicians in 11 countries including Canada. The survey found nearly all (98%) primary care doctors across countries treat patients with complex needs in their practice. However, when examining questions on chronic disease management and coordination of care with other providers, Canadian results are mixed compared to the international average, and show variation at the provincial level. Opportunities likely exist to learn from other countries that have a more systematic approach to primary care delivery.