Patients’ views of the health-care system
A study on what patients and caregivers want.
Patient-centred care has become an increasingly critical concept among researchers, decision-makers and health-system planners. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for patient-centred care, due to the disproportionate impact of this disease on different populations.
The white paper, Patients’ Views of the Canadian Health-Care System, by the North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies prepared for the Ontario Medical Association, provides insights into the health-care experiences and desires of patients and caregivers across multiple health and life stages.
Across all life and health stages, five broad themes were identified. Patients have a desire for:
- Personalized (person-centred) care.
- Information on resources available and how to navigate the system.
- Choice in treatment, care setting and/or care provider.
- Holistic care and non-medical supports to overcome barriers to accessing care.
- Care co-ordination and care continuity.