(Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences - Volume 2, Issue 1, 2008) The patient-focused paradigm in healthcare began to emerge in the early 1990’s. In 2006 the International Association of Patient Organizations (IAPO) adopted the Declaration on Patient-Centred Healthcare. This study examined the degree to which the five principles embedded in this Declaration are being advocated and utilized in the asthma patient-provider relationship in five countries. The empirical evidence in this study shows that the implementation of patient-centred care both as a policy concept and a practice modality for asthma has not been achieved to the extent needed. The paper makes recommendations to help patient organizations realize the full benefits of patient-centred care.
This report from The Canadian Continence Foundation sheds light on a well kept secret – that as many as 3.3 million Canadians experience some form of incontinence. While the societal impacts are hard to quantify, the financial costs associated with urinary incontinence (UI) total an estimated $2.6 billion per year.
This Report provides an overview of background information related to the pharmaceutical market both globally and within Canada, followed by a summary of the regulatory mechanisms related to pharmaceutical review in Canada. Reimbursement of pharmaceuticals in general and generic drugs in particular, within Canada and in various international jurisdictions are discussed and models for possible emulation are highlighted. The Report then offers suggestions for possible mechanisms to reduce the price of generic drugs, discussing both the pros and cons of each option, and concludes with CTAC’s recommendations.
Compensation for chiropractic services in an evolving health care system is a more complicated issue than for other professionals. The lack of clear direction related to
funding represents an opportunity to provide possible solutions.
Pivik2004ConsEngagiHTA.pdf 147.19 kB
Similar to other health policy initiatives, there is a growing movement to involve consumers in decisions affecting their treatment options. Access to treatments can be impacted by decisions made during a health technology assessment (HTA), i.e., the rigorous assessment of medical interventions such as drugs, vaccines, devices, materials, medical and surgical procedures and systems.
The purpose of this paper was to empirically assess the interest and potential mechanisms for consumer involvement in HTA by identifying what health consumer organizations consider meaningful involvement, examining current practices internationally and developing a model for involvement based on identified priorities and needs. Canadian health consumer groups representing the largest disease or illness conditions reported a desire for involvement in HTA and provided feedback on mechanisms for facilitating their involvement.