Healthcare in Canada: Choices Going Forward.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Serial Health Care in Canada (HCIC) surveys have been conducted over two decades to map evidence for improving Canadian healthcare.
• Recent surveys indicate public and professional concern regarding the sustainability of the current healthcare system.
• Despite concerns, stakeholders recognize underlying quality in clinical care and desire system- and patient-centered improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify strategic and clinical priorities for improving healthcare and patient outcomes in Canada.
• To understand public and healthcare professional consensus on healthcare improvement strategies and implementation leadership.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serial Health Care in Canada (HCIC) survey data from the adult Canadian public and healthcare professionals.
• Identification of concordant stakeholder preferences regarding healthcare system improvements and implementation responsibilities.

Main Results:

• Enhanced availability of less expensive prescription medications is the top strategic priority, with a nationwide pharmacare plan favored for implementation.
• Increased home and community care services, disease prevention/wellness education, use of non-physician providers, and electronic health records are key clinical improvement targets.
• Research hospitals/health authorities, government funding agencies, and pharmaceutical/biotech industries are identified as key leaders for implementing innovations.

Conclusions:

• Contemporary Canadian public and health professionals demonstrate strong agreement on strategic and practical healthcare priorities.
• This concordance presents an opportunity for stakeholders, particularly governments and industry, to lead evidence-driven healthcare improvements.
• There is a shared vision for enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through collaborative action.