Primary Healthcare
Resources
Report on primary healthcare evaluation released
The "Measuring the Performance of Primary Health Care: Existing Capacity and Future Information Needs" report has recently been released by the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Health Services and Policy Research in its three-year primary healthcare research program.
The report describes the measures and indicators currently available for the evaluation of the primary healthcare system in Canada. It focuses on determining which key aspects of primary healthcare performance could be measured right now given our existing data capabilities. The report also identifies gaps in the current data landscape that hinder system reporting, and recommends how these gaps might be filled.
To obtain an electronic copy of this report, please go to www.chspr.ubc.ca/research/phc/measuring
Implementing Family Medicine Groups: The Challenges of Reorganizing a Practice and of Inter-Professional Collaboration
Dr. Sadok Besrour, chair of family medicine at the University of Montreal, recently published a research report on family medicine groups titled Implementing Family Medicine Groups: The Challenges of Reorganizing a Practice and of Inter-Professional Collaboration. This research, supported by the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, the Fonds de recherche en santé du Québec, and the Direction de l'évaluation of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux du Québec assessed, over a two-year period, the implementation of five family medicine groups in Quebec. The study focuses on the manner in which these groups redefined their practice and their collaboration between professionals, as well as on the effects of this redefinition for patients.
Click here to download a copy of the report from the chair's web site (PDF - 317 KB)
New Toolkit on How to Integrate a Pharmacist into Family Practice
IMPACT (Integrating family Medicine and Pharmacy to Advance Primary Care Therapeutics) has produced "The IMPACT Pharmacist Program Toolkit - How to Integrate a Pharmacist into Family Practice, Practical tools for family physicians, office managers and pharmacists." The toolkit covers key issues of concern in interdisciplinary integration such as scope of practice and communication; provides practical tips for preparation; and lays out a detailed itinerary for integration processes.
For more information on the toolkit and to obtain an electronic copy, please go to www.impactteam.info. Note: To download the toolkit, you must first complete the disclaimer form.
Report on primary healthcare registered nurses in British Columbia
The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research at the University of British Columbia recently released a report on primary healthcare registered nurses in British Columbia entitled "Who Are the Primary Health Care Registered Nurses in British Columbia?"
The report describes the population, system distribution and geographic location of RNs working in primary health care-related roles in B.C., and assesses the usefulness of existing data sources in identifying these health professionals. The authors analyzed self-report registration information collected in 2000 by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia using a combination of variables – place of work, area of responsibility, position and work status.
To obtain an electronic copy of this report, please go to www.chspr.ubc.ca/research/phc/provider/nurses.
New Primary Healthcare Research Synthesis Released
A new research synthesis on primary healthcare services in Quebec was recently released by the Collectif de recherche led by Raynald Pineault.
The report analyses the findings of 30 primary healthcare projects and centers on three main issues: accessibility and continuity of services; factors associated with effects; and the processes governing the implementation of integrated, inter-professional collaboration mechanisms, and new information and communication technologies.
For more information, please see Research Collective on the Organization of Primary Care Services in Québec - Summary Report (PDF - 600 KB).
Planning for Renewal: Mapping Primary Health Care in British Columbia
The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research (CHSPR) at the University of British Columbia released "Planning for Renewal: Mapping Primary Health Care in British Columbia," the second report in their three-year primary healthcare research program.
The report compiles a snapshot of the primary healthcare system in British Columbia and the health of its users to inform policy and planning for the renewal of this sector. This collection examines the demographic, socioeconomic, and health profiles of the populations; temporal changes in population size; the level of supply and geographic distribution of primary healthcare providers; patterns of delivery and use of primary healthcare services; and the responsiveness of these services to variations in the distribution of health status.
To obtain a copy of this report, please visit www.primary-care.chspr.ubc.ca or e-mail primary-care@chspr.ubc.ca.
Results-Based Logic Model for Primary Health Care
The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research at the University of British Columbia recently released a results-based logic model for primary healthcare using the Treasury Board of Canada's management accountability framework, policy analysis, research evidence, and broad consultation.
Results-based logic models linearly link resource inputs to activities performed, services delivered, and outcomes achieved. The model illuminates the activities that are potential levers for change; recognizes the unique features of primary healthcare; and identifies the way in which primary healthcare and other health sectors converge to affect health system performance and the health of the population.
This logic model will be useful to primary healthcare policy makers, planners, managers, evaluators, and practitioners.
To obtain an electronic copy of this report, please go to www.chspr.ubc.ca.
Implementing Primary Care Reform: Barriers and Facilitators
Edited by Ruth Wilson, Sam Shortt, and John Dorland
Strong primary healthcare systems are the foundation of effective healthcare. Several countries have attempted to reform primary healthcare delivery in the past few years, with varying results. This book examines the barriers to, and facilitators of, primary care reform from several perspectives — political, economic, organizational, and clinical.
Experience in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada is examined in detail. A compendium of reform efforts across Canada, contributed by provincial/territorial ministries of health, rounds out the book. Barbara Starfield sums up the evidence for the importance of primary care in improving health outcomes, increasing cost-effectiveness, and promoting social equity.
This book will be of interest to policy makers, practitioners, and those interested in how change is achieved in healthcare systems.
For more information, or if you would like to order this book, please e-mail mqup@mqup.ca.
