During their annual convention that took place this August in Saskatoon, Canadian Medical Association delegates debated policy resolutions they hope will transform a patient's experience in the Canadian health-care system - many of which relate to challenges associated with rapidly aging society.
The discussion among CMA delegates is the organization's attempt to create what it calls a "blueprint for health transformation." The blueprint has five building blocks - including an urgent call to dramatically increase the number of places in home care and long-term-care homes across Canada.
The conference debate also focused on a number of other important questions related to the sustainability and efficiency of our seniors' care system, including:
- Should Canadians be required to save money for their long-term care in old age
- Should hospitals be paid on a per-patient basis?
- How can the health-care system make the patients the focus of the system instead of doctors and other staff?
- Should prescription drug coverage be mandatory for Canadians?
- Should there be an agency independent from regional health authorities to manage long-term care patients?
Doctors have to learn to stop ignoring their patients and start listening to them, a former hospital director warned delegates at the opening of the meeting.
Tony Dagnone, who has headed Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital and University Hospital in London, Ont., told delegates stories he's heard from frustrated patients while working as commissioner of Saskatchewan's Patient First review - a $1.5-million probe of the province's health system. Dr. Dagnone told doctors their patients know they are busy, but patients "just want a little bit more time with you.
