OTTAWA, Sept. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Although largely an area of untapped potential in most provinces, physician assistants (PAs) can help address many service gaps and health system policy goals, including improved continuity care, access, equity, and sustainability. But a new Conference Board of Canada report finds that the absence of sustainable funding models is a significant barrier for the expansion of PA employment across Canada.
"Demand for physician services is growing at twice the pace of population growth, putting considerable strain on Canada's health care system and funding resources," said Louis Thériault, Vice-President, Industry Strategy and Public Policy, The Conference Board of Canada.
"Physician assistants can help alleviate the increase in demand, decrease wait times, and off-set some of the health workforce shortages. But before that can happen, Canada needs to explore sustainable funding sources for physician assistants to better support their integration into the health care system."
Highlights
The report, Funding Models for Physician Assistants: Canadian and International Experiences, examines Canadian and international funding models from the U.S., U.K., and the Netherlands, as well as Ontario and Manitoba—the two provinces which employ the most PAs in Canada. The context of where the PA is employed, the services they provide, and the availability of funds, among other considerations, all impact that type of funding mechanisms countries employ. These examples provide several considerations for Canada, including:
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A copy of the report is provided for reporting purposes only. Please do not redistribute it or post it online in any form.
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SOURCE Conference Board of Canada
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"Demand for physician services is growing at twice the pace of population growth, putting considerable strain on Canada's health care system and funding resources," said Louis Thériault, Vice-President, Industry Strategy and Public Policy, The Conference Board of Canada.
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"Physician assistants can help alleviate the increase in demand, decrease wait times, and off-set some of the health workforce shortages. But before that can happen, Canada needs to explore sustainable funding sources for physician assistants to better support their integration into the health care system."
Highlights
- Sustainable funding models that support physician assistant employment are lacking in many provinces.
- Physician assistants can help address many service gaps and health system policy goals.
- A comprehensive funding model would enable the expansion of physician assistants across Canada.
The report, Funding Models for Physician Assistants: Canadian and International Experiences, examines Canadian and international funding models from the U.S., U.K., and the Netherlands, as well as Ontario and Manitoba—the two provinces which employ the most PAs in Canada. The context of where the PA is employed, the services they provide, and the availability of funds, among other considerations, all impact that type of funding mechanisms countries employ. These examples provide several considerations for Canada, including:
- An appropriate funding model for PA integration must be efficient and sustainable for the health system and meet defined performance and outcome targets.
- Monitoring PA work, as well as their impact, outcomes, and efficiency is essential.
- Funding models should also address local needs, specifically for primary care and emergency medicine.
Follow The Conference Board of Canada on Twitter.
A copy of the report is provided for reporting purposes only. Please do not redistribute it or post it online in any form.
For those interested in broadcast-quality interviews for your station, network, or online site, The Conference Board of Canada has a studio capable of double-ender interviews (line fees apply), or we can send you pre-taped clips upon request.
If you would like to be removed from our distribution list, please e-mail [email protected].
SOURCE Conference Board of Canada