Canada's Publicly Funded Healthcare System
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of funding for Canada's health care system?

  • Federal government taxes
  • Provincial and territorial government taxes (correct)
  • Employer contributions
  • Private insurance premiums

What percentage of Canada's total health care expenditures did the publicly funded system account for in 2010?

  • 45%
  • 100%
  • 70% (correct)
  • 29%

What is the main reason for variations in health expenditures across Canadian provinces and territories?

  • Variations in the number of hospitals per capita
  • Differences in the quality of medical professionals
  • Differences in the level of technology available
  • Differences in the services covered by each province and territory (correct)

Which of the following factors is NOT a significant contributor to variations in health care costs in Canada?

<p>Availability of specialists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)?

<p>To provide information and research on health care trends in Canada (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest share of Canada's health care spending in 2010?

<p>Hospitals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the second-largest share of Canada's health care spending in 2010?

<p>Drugs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of healthcare service is typically the first point of contact for Canadians within the healthcare system?

<p>Primary health care (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general method of payment for doctors in private practice?

<p>Fee-for-service (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of payment for nurses and other health professionals?

<p>Salaries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of allied health professionals?

<p>To provide specialized diagnostic and therapeutic services (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of health expenditures in Canada are covered by private sources?

<p>30% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the Canadian publicly funded health care system best described?

<p>A system of ten provincial and three territorial health systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main functions of primary health care?

<p>Providing direct first-contact health care services and coordinating care with other levels of care (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of healthcare facility is most commonly operated by community boards of trustees or voluntary organizations?

<p>Hospitals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the increasing share of health care expenditures allocated to drugs?

<p>Increased use of expensive, new pharmaceutical drugs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle of Canada's health care system?

<p>Health care services are provided based on need, rather than ability to pay. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant legislation was passed by the federal government in 1957?

<p>The Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which province first introduced a province-wide universal hospital care plan?

<p>Saskatchewan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the federal government initially play in health care after 1867?

<p>Responsibility for marine hospitals and quarantine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Saskatchewan introduce a universal medical insurance plan?

<ol start="1962"> <li>(C)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How did Canada's health care system evolve before World War II?

<p>It was primarily privately delivered and funded. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlined the responsibilities of federal and provincial governments regarding health care?

<p>The Constitution Act of 1867. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What values are fundamental to Canada's health care system?

<p>Fairness and equity in sharing resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method used by provinces and territories to reduce acute care wait times?

<p>Training and hiring more health professionals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is highlighted as a significant challenge for health systems globally?

<p>Medical errors and adverse events (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What collaborative effort is made by federal, provincial, and territorial governments?

<p>Improving patient safety and quality of care (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Task Force on Health in Prince Edward Island established in 1992?

<p>Examining health care systems and improvement strategies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which commission's report focused on the future of health care in Canada?

<p>Romanow Commission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from the Manitoba Regional Health Authority External Review Committee released in February?

<p>External reviews of health care practices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiative was established on April 1 to combat cancer in Canada?

<p>Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Corporation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a strategy to increase health care capacity mentioned in the content?

<p>Building regional centres of excellence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hospital funding in Canada is TRUE?

<p>Global budgets are the main source of funding, negotiated with provincial and territorial governments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common way that secondary health care services are provided in Canada?

<p>In private clinics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who can refer a patient to home or community care services?

<p>Doctors, hospitals, community agencies, family members, and patients themselves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically covered by the Canada Health Act?

<p>Home care services (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about long-term care facilities is TRUE?

<p>Provincial and territorial governments fund health care services in long-term care facilities, while room and board costs are typically covered by the individual. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of palliative care?

<p>Providing medical and emotional support to those nearing death and their families (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following health services is NOT typically covered by supplementary health benefits?

<p>Hospital services (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to challenges facing the Canadian healthcare system?

<p>A decrease in chronic disease prevalence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a trend in health care delivery in Canada?

<p>A decline in alternative care services (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decentralization of healthcare decision-making in Canada?

<p>To control costs and improve delivery (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of primary health care reforms in Canada?

<p>Promoting health, preventing illness, and managing chronic diseases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do electronic health technologies contribute to primary health care renewal?

<p>By facilitating coordination of services among healthcare providers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the growing importance of community primary health care centres?

<p>Decreasing need for preventative care (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Canadian healthcare system is FALSE?

<p>The Canadian healthcare system has been entirely successful in responding to all changes in the health needs of the population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Canada Health Act is TRUE?

<p>The Canada Health Act is a federal law that provides a framework for publicly funded healthcare in Canada, but does not cover all services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the funding of home care in Canada is TRUE?

<p>Home care services are not covered by the Canada Health Act, but provinces and territories may provide funding for certain services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary funding mechanism introduced by the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements and Established Programs Financing Act in 1977?

<p>Block funding with cash payments and tax points (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which criteria were established by the Canada Health Act of 1984?

<p>Universality, Comprehensiveness, Accessibility, Portability, and Public Administration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in federal health financing after the Accord on Health Care Renewal in 2003?

<p>Cash transfers to provinces were increased (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Patient Wait Times Guarantee?

<p>A system offering alternative care options for patients with long wait times (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the federal government play in the Canadian health care system?

<p>Setting national principles and providing financial support (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a focus of the 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care announced in 2004?

<p>Reduction of health care tax rates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government is primarily responsible for delivering health care services in Canada?

<p>Provincial and territorial governments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are publicly funded health care services primarily financed?

<p>By general revenue from various taxes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the agreement reached in 2000 by health leaders in Canada?

<p>Key reforms in primary health care and pharmaceuticals management (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the transfer of tax points involve?

<p>Cutting federal tax rates while raising provincial rates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following services is the federal government NOT responsible for in health care?

<p>Delivering health services to all Canadians (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Canada Health Transfer established in 2004 mainly focus on?

<p>Providing funding for health care purposes only (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of health care is primarily handled at the provincial/territorial and local levels?

<p>Managing infectious diseases and sanitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the Medical Care Act passed, offering reimbursement for medical services outside hospitals?

<p>1966 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of care did the first ministers agree to enhance under the Accord on Health Care Renewal?

<p>Home care services (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups are NOT covered under the Canada Health Act?

<p>Individuals with private health insurance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the federal government in healthcare, according to the text?

<p>To establish national principles and provide funding for provincial and territorial plans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "extra-billing" refer to?

<p>Billing patients for medically necessary services at a higher rate than the provincial or territorial insurance plan allows. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Equalization payments from the federal government?

<p>Providing financial assistance to provinces and territories with lower tax revenues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle established by the Canada Health Act?

<p>Efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "medically necessary" refer to in the context of the Canada Health Act?

<p>Services deemed essential for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient's illness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following services are usually NOT covered under the Canada Health Act, but may be provided as supplementary benefits by provinces and territories?

<p>Basic dental care. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of physician colleges or groups in the determination of medically necessary services?

<p>Offering advice to health insurance plans on which services qualify as medically necessary. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main mechanism for provinces and territories to receive funding for healthcare services?

<p>Federal cash and tax transfers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do provincial and territorial health insurance plans ensure that access to medically necessary services is available to all insured persons without financial barriers?

<p>Offering subsidized services to low-income individuals and families. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle behind the "portability" aspect of the Canada Health Act?

<p>Guaranteeing that individuals who move between provinces or territories maintain their health insurance coverage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the federal government in relation to healthcare?

<p>Administering provincial and territorial health insurance plans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason private insurers are restricted from offering coverage that duplicates that of the publicly funded health insurance plans?

<p>To protect the financial stability of the public health insurance system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the funding model for supplementary health services in Canada?

<p>Funded through a combination of public and private sources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the provincial and territorial governments in relation to healthcare?

<p>Developing and administering public health insurance plans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between "extra-billing" and "user fees" in the context of healthcare?

<p>Extra-billing refers to charges beyond the amount covered by insurance, while user fees are charges for services not covered by insurance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Universal Healthcare

A health care system where all medically necessary services are covered, regardless of a person's ability to pay.

Fairness and Equity

The fundamental values that guide Canada's healthcare system, emphasizing fairness and equal access to care for all.

Shared Responsibility

The sharing of resources and responsibility between the federal and provincial governments to support and maintain the healthcare system.

Dynamic Healthcare

The process of adapting and evolving the healthcare system in response to changing needs and advancements in medicine and society.

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Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act (1957)

The 1957 Act that provided funding for provincial and territorial hospital and diagnostic services, leading to universal coverage for these services.

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Saskatchewan's Hospital Care Plan (1947)

The introduction of universal, province-wide hospital care plans in Saskatchewan in 1947, inspiring similar plans in other provinces.

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Pre-World War II Healthcare

The period before World War II, where healthcare was primarily privately funded and delivered.

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Saskatchewan's Universal Medical Insurance Plan (1962)

The year Saskatchewan launched a universal medical insurance plan, covering doctors' services for all residents.

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Cost-Sharing (Healthcare)

A plan where the federal government shares a portion of healthcare costs with provinces and territories.

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Block Fund

A fixed amount of money given to a specific level of government for a designated purpose.

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Tax Point Transfer

Shifting tax responsibilities between governments by adjusting tax rates.

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Portability (Healthcare)

The principle that all Canadians should have access to healthcare, regardless of their location.

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Universality (Healthcare)

The principle that everyone in Canada has equal access to healthcare.

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Comprehensiveness (Healthcare)

The principle that all necessary medical services are covered under Canada's healthcare system.

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Public Administration (Healthcare)

The principle that healthcare is managed and delivered by public entities, not private companies.

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Prohibition of Extra Billing

The prohibition of extra charges or fees beyond the standard healthcare coverage.

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Patient Wait Times Guarantee

A specific timeframe within which patients should receive medically necessary healthcare.

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Healthcare Renewal Plan

A coordinated plan to address specific healthcare challenges, such as wait times.

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National Health Principles

The principle that the federal government sets national healthcare standards.

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General Revenue (Healthcare)

The main source of funding for Canada's healthcare system.

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Health Premium

A supplemental healthcare financing mechanism in some provinces.

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Public Health Responsibility

A collaborative effort between federal, provincial, and local governments to ensure public health.

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Collaborative Patient Safety

The federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together with healthcare professionals, organizations, and institutions to identify and reduce risks in healthcare delivery.

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Provincial and Territorial Strategies for Reducing Wait Times

Provinces and territories use various strategies to shorten wait times for acute care, including increasing healthcare professionals, clearing backlogs, enhancing regional centers of excellence, expanding community care, and implementing wait time management tools.

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Canadian Healthcare System

A system that ensures all residents across Canada have access to publicly funded healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay.

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Provincial/Territorial Reciprocal Billing Agreement

This agreement enables patients to access medical services in other provinces or territories and have their costs covered by their home province or territory.

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Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Corporation

Established in 1994, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Corporation focuses on collaborating and funding cancer control initiatives across the country.

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Romanow Commission Report (2002)

This report, released in 2002, examined the needs of Canada's healthcare system and proposed future directions.

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Nova Scotia Health Services Operational Review

A review conducted in Nova Scotia to assess and improve the province's healthcare system, released in 2003.

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Roddick Committee

A committee established in British Columbia in 2001 that focused on healthcare issues.

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Canada Health Act

The Canada Health Act sets out principles that provincial and territorial health insurance plans must follow to receive full federal funding.

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Provincial/Territorial Health Insurance Plan

A plan that covers medically necessary hospital and doctors' services for residents of a province or territory, funded by the government and federal transfers.

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Canada Health Transfer

The money the federal government gives to provinces and territories to help pay for healthcare.

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Medically Necessary Services

Services that are considered essential for health and are covered by public insurance plans.

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Extra-billing

When a doctor charges a patient more than the amount covered by the public insurance plan.

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User Charge

Any fee charged for a service covered by public insurance that is not extra-billing, but is not fully covered by the plan.

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Universality

The principle that everyone in a province or territory has access to medically necessary services under their health insurance plan, with equal coverage.

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Comprehensiveness

The principle that health insurance plans must cover all medically necessary hospital and doctors' services, including those provided by dentists working within a hospital setting.

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Accessibility

The principle that everyone in a province or territory has access to health services without facing financial or other barriers.

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Portability

The principle that residents of a province or territory are covered by their health insurance no matter where they travel within Canada.

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Direct Federal Delivery of Health Services

Providing healthcare services directly by the federal government to First Nations people and Inuit in remote and isolated communities.

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Public Administration

The principle that provincial and territorial health insurance plans must be run by a public authority that is non-profit and accountable to the government.

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Supplementary Health Benefits

Additional medical services provided by some provincial and territorial governments beyond the scope of the Canada Health Act, often funded by individuals or private insurance.

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Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance plans that offer coverage beyond the scope of public plans, typically for services that are not covered or have limited coverage under the Canada Health Act.

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Federal Role in Healthcare

The federal government's role in healthcare includes setting national principles, providing financial support, regulating health products, and overseeing health promotion and research.

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Medicare

The publicly funded healthcare system in Canada, providing access to a wide range of health services.

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Primary Healthcare

The first point of contact with the healthcare system, providing direct care and coordinating further services.

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Fee-for-service

Services offered by doctors in private practice, involving a fee for each service rendered.

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Alternative Payment Schemes

Payment methods for healthcare services provided by clinics, community health centers, etc., using salaries, blended payments, or incentives.

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Specialized Healthcare Providers

Specialized healthcare providers, such as physician specialists, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals.

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Allied Health Professionals

Healthcare professionals other than physicians and nurses, including dental hygienists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists.

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Workers' Compensation

A system where employers contribute to fund services for workers injured on the job.

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Healthcare Expenditures as a % of GDP

The amount of money spent on healthcare, measured as a percentage of the country's total economic output (GDP).

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Healthcare Expenditure Trends

Changes in the types of healthcare services funded and provided over time, reflected in shifting spending patterns.

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Hospital Healthcare Expenditures

The largest share of healthcare spending, covering services provided by hospitals and related facilities.

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Drug Expenditure

Spending on prescription medication, which has been increasing significantly in recent decades.

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Physician Expenditure

Spending on physician services, including consultation, treatments, and procedures.

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Provincial/Territorial Governments (Healthcare)

Provincial and territorial governments, responsible for managing and funding healthcare within their jurisdictions.

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Interlocking Health Systems

A system composed of interconnected provincial and territorial healthcare systems, all contributing to the overall healthcare system.

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Long-Term Care Facilities

Institutions providing long-term residential care for those requiring ongoing medical support and personal care.

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Global Hospital Funding

A payment system where hospitals receive a fixed budget for a year, covering all their operational costs, regardless of the number of patients they see.

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Secondary Health Care Services

The provision of health services in a person's home, community or a facility outside a hospital, often for those needing long-term or chronic care.

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Continuity of Care

A formal system for assessing patient needs and coordinating medical services to ensure smooth transitions between different care settings.

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Publicly Funded Health Care

The most common system for paying for health care in Canada. It is funded by taxes and administered by the provinces and territories.

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Palliative Care

Providing aid and support to individuals nearing the end of life focusing on comfort, pain relief, and emotional well-being.

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Healthcare System Evolution

Changes in the way healthcare is delivered, driven by factors like aging population, technological advancements, and cost pressures.

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Alternative Care Delivery

Providing care in more accessible settings, including clinics, community centres and homes, offering alternatives to hospital-based care.

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Decentralization of Healthcare Delivery

A process of decentralizing health care decisions to regional or local boards, granting them more autonomy in managing services.

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Reformed Primary Healthcare

A primary healthcare model focused on proactive health promotion and prevention, aiming to address the needs of a changing and aging population.

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eHealth

The use of technology in healthcare, including electronic records, telehealth, and digital healthcare tools.

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Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Electronic health records that store patient medical information digitally, improving access, coordination, and safety.

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Telehealth

The use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, connecting patients and providers geographically.

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Study Notes

Canada's Publicly Funded Healthcare System

  • Canada's healthcare system is publicly funded and universally covers medically necessary services, based on need, not ability to pay.
  • This system demonstrates fairness and equity through resource sharing and responsibility.
  • The system adapts to population changes and evolving healthcare needs.

Historical Development

  • Initially, provinces were responsible for hospitals, while the federal government oversaw marine hospitals and quarantine.
  • Federal health responsibilities were under the Agriculture department until 1919, when the Health department was formed.
  • Pre-World War II, healthcare was largely private.
  • The 1947 Saskatchewan universal hospital care plan spearheaded the movement towards a publicly funded system, followed by British Columbia and Alberta.
  • The 1957 Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act enabled federal cost-sharing for provincial/territorial hospital and diagnostic services.
  • All provinces/territories embraced inpatient hospital funding by 1961
  • In 1962, Saskatchewan introduced universal medical insurance.
  • The 1966 Medical Care Act extended federal cost sharing to doctors' services outside hospitals.
  • All provinces/territories adopted universal physician services by 1972.
  • From 1957 to 1977, federal funding amounted to 50% of provincial/territorial costs.
  • The 1977 Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act introduced a block funding system, replacing cost-sharing. Block funds represent money transferred for a specific purpose.
  • The 1984 Canada Health Act merged hospital and medical insurance acts, setting portability, accessibility, comprehensiveness, universality, and public administration criteria. This legislation also banned extra-billing and user fees.
  • Key 2000 reforms focused on primary care, pharmaceuticals, IT, and infrastructure.
  • The 2003 Accord on Health Care Renewal emphasized access, quality, and long-term sustainability, aiming for targeted reforms in various areas. Increased cash transfers by the federal government
  • The 2004 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care targeted wait times, health human resources, Aboriginal health, and more.
  • Annual increases to the Canada Health Transfer occurred from 2006-07 to 2013-14.

Funding and Financing

  • Health care financing relies on federal, provincial/territorial taxes (personal, corporate, sales, payroll).
  • Provinces can levy health premiums, but cannot limit access to medically necessary care.
  • Public health, encompassing sanitation, diseases, and education, is a shared responsibility.
  • Federal roles include setting national principles, financial support, and service provision to specific groups (e.g., Indigenous peoples, military).
  • The Canada Health Act sets criteria for provinces/territories to receive full federal funding.
  • Federal Equalization payments assist less prosperous provinces/territories.

Health Care Delivery

  • Provinces/territories oversee most health service delivery.
  • Federal delivery occurs for specific groups (Indigenous, military).
  • Services include primary care, emergency care, and other community-based programs, both on-reserve/inuit communities.
  • Medically necessary services are defined by provincial/territorial plans in consultation with their medical professions.
  • The Act encourages access to medically necessary services without financial barriers.
  • Provincial/territorial plans provide supplemental health benefits (drugs, dental), not covering by Canada Health Act.
  • Private insurance options are available, though often limited to supplementary coverage.
  • Worker's compensation schemes from the province/territory fund workplace injuries.
  • Health costs vary across provinces, due to services covered and demographics.
  • Healthcare expenditures comprised 7% of GDP in 1975 and rose to an estimated 11.7% in 2010.
  • Publicly funded healthcare represented 70% of total health expenditures in 2010.
  • Spending on hospitals, physicians has decreased over time, meanwhile spending on drugs has increased. Hospitals still represent the largest slice, while drugs and physicians constitute second & third largest parts

Organization of Primary healthcare

  • Primary care acts as the first point of contact for Canadians who need healthcare.
  • It has two core functions: delivering first-contact care & coordinating patient care across the system
  • Primary Care is expanding services to include prevention/treatment/referral networks and more comprehensive health promotion/management.
  • Doctors in private practice are generally paid on a fee-for-service basis; others (clinics, community health centers) may use salary or blended models.
  • Nurses and/or other healthcare professionals are mostly on salary, negotiated by unions and employers.
  • Specialized care can be sought at various locations: hospitals, long-term care, or in the community.

Hospital Funding & Regulation

  • Hospitals are primarily governed by community boards, voluntary organizations or regional health authorities.
  • Hospital funding mostly employs "global budgets" (rather than fee-for-service), which are negotiated.

Home and Continuing Care

  • The Canada Health Act does not generally cover these services, but provinces/territories provide them.
  • Home care & continuing care providers include families, formal organizations, and volunteers.
  • The federal government does provide some home care for certain people, e.g., veterans, Indigenous, Inuit.

Modern Challenges & Adaptations

  • Changes in healthcare delivery, fiscal constraints, the aging population and new technology pose challenges.
  • Decentralized models of regional health authorities have been tried but are facing increasing centralization in some provinces.
  • Primary health care models are adapting by building more community-based centers, forming teams, expanding preventative/promotive/chronic disease management services.
  • Electronic health technologies (eHealth, including EHRs & telehealth) are driving innovation, access & efficiency.
  • Provinces are working on wait times guarantees and have started pilot projects to test alternative, or faster paths to care
  • Patient safety has become more crucial, necessitating risk assessment and error reduction strategies.

Role of Government

  • Provincial and territorial governments are mainly responsible for healthcare service delivery.
  • The federal government plays a crucial role in healthcare funding and setting national principles (Canada Health Act).
  • The federal government also provides support for health promotion, specific populations (i.e., First Nations, Inuit).
  • Federal government regulates matters like pharmaceuticals, food, medical devices, and consumer safety.

Reports and Commissions

  • Several task forces, committees, and commissions have explored healthcare improvements across Canada, with specific reports.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of Canada's publicly funded healthcare system, which ensures that medically necessary services are available to all citizens regardless of their financial situation. Learn about the historical development of this system, including its provincial roots, federal involvement, and landmark legislations that shaped its evolution.

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