As part of the province's continued efforts to improve access to high-quality patient care, Health Minister Dustin Duncan recently announced $9.83 million in funding for a new program to encourage and reward family physicians in providing patients with a full range of services.
"Physicians are vital partners as we transform our health system to better meet patients' needs, including improving access to health care," Duncan said. "As part of our agreement with the Saskatchewan Medical Association, I am pleased to introduce the Family Physician Comprehensive Care Program to recognize family physicians who provide patients with a full range of primary care services, while at the same time encouraging more physicians to expand their practices to full comprehensive care."
Physicians who qualify for the program monitor the overall health of their patients, collaborate with other health care providers on their care, and manage their patients' chronic diseases. In addition, qualifying physicians are caring for their patients when they are hospitalized, in a nursing home, or having a baby.
"We know from other high-performing health systems that when patients are provided comprehensive primary care services, such as chronic disease management, their health and satisfaction with the service improves - and this approach is consistent with our focus on patient- and family-centered health care," Duncan said.
"This program will improve access to medical services for the people of Saskatchewan," SMA President Dr. Janet Shannon said. "We look forward to working with the ministry on this and other programs to ensure patients receive the quality care they need."
Fifty-eight per cent of Saskatchewan's family physicians currently provide their patients with a full range of services, as defined by the Family Physician Comprehensive Care Program. This new program is designed to increase the number of family physicians who provide continuity of care to their patients through comprehensive services, reducing the need for patients to seek uncoordinated, episodic care. For example, it is hoped more physicians will manage their patients' chronic diseases according to accepted care guidelines.
As well as improving access to health services, the program aligns with Saskatchewan's recently announced initiative to strengthen its primary health care system. The goal of the initiative is achieving a primary health care model that is sustainable, offers a superior patient experience and ensures better access to services.
