title: Care for Patients with Complex Needs: Canadian Results from the Commonwealth Fund 2015 International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians.
abstract: Good primary care is essential for the effective management of patients with chronic conditions in the community and to ensure their care is well coordinated with other parts of the system. The Commonwealth Fund 2015 International Health Policy Survey compares the views and experiences of primary care physicians in 11 countries including Canada. The survey found nearly all (98%) primary care doctors across countries treat patients with complex needs in their practice. However, when examining questions on chronic disease management and coordination of care with other providers, Canadian results are mixed compared to the international average, and show variation at the provincial level. Opportunities likely exist to learn from other countries that have a more systematic approach to primary care delivery.
authors.affiliation: Senior researcher with the Health System Analysis and Emerging Issues Department at CIHI. Christina leads the development of analytical projects that help identify and address the health priorities of Canadians.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lawand
authors.affiliation: Senior analyst in Health Reports at CIHI in Toronto, Ontario. He is responsible for performing analyses, providing methodological support to projects and writing reports.
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Paltser
authors.affiliation: Senior analyst in Health System Research at CIHI in Toronto, Ontario. She is responsible for performing analyses, providing methodological support to projects and writing reports.
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.affiliation: Senior analyst in Health System Research at CIHI in Toronto, Ontario. She is responsible for performing analyses, providing methodological support to projects and writing reports.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ytsma
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires