NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ797324
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0894-1912
EISSN: N/A
Community Group Practices in Canada: Are They Ready to Reform Their Practice?
Murray, Suzanne; Silver, Ivan; Patel, Dilip; Dupuis, Martin; Hayes, Sean M.; Davis, Dave
Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, v28 n2 p73-78 Spr 2008
Introduction: Governments and healthcare organizations in Canada are reforming the clinical practice structures and policies to deliver primary care to the population. A key component of primary healthcare reform is the establishment of an interdisciplinary, community-based team approach to patient care. This study was undertaken to provide in-depth insight regarding primary healthcare providers' beliefs and attitudes in regard to their current group practice, what changes they believe are occurring and those necessary to reform group practice settings, their willingness to embrace changes, and the challenges they face to realize the proposed reform. Methods: This study employed a mixed-method research design (qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques) through day-long focus groups of primary healthcare professionals (eg, family physicians, specialists, dieticians, psychologists) from across Canada. Results: There is considerable variation in the composition of primary care group practices across Canada. Respondents report that group practices are little more than an economic convenience to facilitate sharing of resources. Even when a practice is composed of several disciplines, there is little to no organized or systematic interaction among healthcare professionals aimed at improving patient care, lack of clarity as to identified leaders/managers of the team, and inconsistencies in the model of care provided to patients. However, there is a perception of value and benefit in working in a cohesive group practice to improve patient care. Discussion: Findings revealed that although healthcare providers report themselves ready to make the necessary changes and willing to move to interdisciplinary team-based practices, there are substantive challenges that impede a movement to truly effective interdisciplinary team practice and functioning. These challenges include the type and allocation of funding, interprofessional healthcare provider education, changing the healthcare provision model, and barriers among healthcare professionals regarding shared and equitable team accountability for patient health outcomes. (Contains 2 figures.)
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Subscription Department, 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774. Tel: 800-825-7550; Tel: 201-748-6645; Fax: 201-748-6021; e-mail: subinfo@wiley.com; Web site: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/browse/?type=JOURNAL
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A