Chronic disease: shifting the focus of healthcare in Canada.
The pressure on the Canadian healthcare system to deliver quality and cost-effective care is escalating at a time of an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The healthcare system's traditional focus on acute care falls short of meeting the needs of those suffering from chronic diseases, which represent a sizeable portion of the population. This article highlights the impending issues and explores how shifting the focus of healthcare can have a profound impact on meeting the needs of those suffering from chronic diseases in the province of Ontario.
MBA, PhD, FACHE, School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Ontario. tsasis@yorku.ca
Peter
P
Tsasis
Jatinder
J
Bains
D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D000078329:Workforce