Chair's Message
2016 will prove to be a very interesting year for family physicians.
In my view, there are several issues in Ontario that will impact our practice and the Health Care system during this year. I would like to address three of those in this Chair's message:
1. Health Care System Transformation: The Ministry of Health released a discussion paper before Christmas entitled, "Patients First A proposal to strengthen patient-centred health care in Ontario." This paper provides further information about the Ministry's plans to bring responsibility for primary care and home and community care under the leadership of Local Health Integration Networks. The proposal calls for better integration of primary care with home and community care, public health, and population health planning. Much of this is welcome and could lead to better performance of the system and better experience for patients but, engagement of family physicians in the planning and implementation of changes is key to the success of this transformation. Engagement with physicians, however, is threatened by the following issue;
2. Physician/Government Relations: This is at an all time low in Ontario due to unilateral cuts to physician incomes, poor communication and lack of trust. Key steps need to be taken in 2016 to resolve this situation because so much depends on physician performance and trust in the system. I am calling on both sides of this dispute to bring a resolution to these matters in 2016. It can't go on longer than that;
3. Physician-Assisted Dying: Legislation must be produced on this matter in 2016. Like abortion, this matter is of deep concern to physicians. There is no doubt that family physicians will receive requests for this service from their patients and will be expected to play a key role, given their relationship with their patients. As individuals we need to prepare for how we will approach this. I anticipate that there will be many avenues for discussion and reflection. The College of Family Physicians of Canada has provided a guide for family physicians as a starting point for thinking and planning.
Yes, 2016 will be a very interesting year. As always, I welcome your opinion on these matters and any others at stephen.wetmore@schulich.uwo.ca.
