Accountability frameworks: A critical evolution in healthcare

Canadians face prolonged waits for primary care, specialist care, hospital care, elective surgery, and advanced imaging relative to peer countries. A root problem is unclear queue management expectations. If programs have no mandate to provide timely care, the intuitive approach to demand challenges is not to innovate and improve, but to block access, create a queue, and force patients elsewhere. Patient care accountability frameworks define program expectations and accountability zones, clarifying that every patient has an accountable healthcare home and every program has a population (accountability zone). Program accountabilities include timely patient assessment and disposition; budget, space, and nursing care for program patients; and contingency plans for surges and queues. Accountability frameworks are an evolutionary stressor that would drive strategies to expedite appropriate care in the right place, to move patients out of queues into care. This article discusses accountability, accountability frameworks, and accountability strategies to improve system-wide access.