Be Aware Health Care | May 29th, 2024

Science. In healthcare, it’s a staple. Like the coffee to start your morning or rain after days of dry heat, it’s needed. We've got biology for the body, chemistry for medicine, and I bet a lot more came to your mind just now. But here's one you probably haven't heard much about, and it's important for the success of our healthcare system.

Ever heard of Implementation Science? It's like the magic behind the scenes, all about figuring out how to make new ideas work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare-related settings.

Now, you might think I'm exaggerating, but we've looked at 10 research papers and asked, "Does implementation work in healthcare?". The answer? A resounding "Yes!".

From making healthcare policies to cutting down the cost of care, if you're trying to make things better in healthcare, Implementation Science is your best friend. Or hey, you could even hire an Implementation Scientist. They're out there.

Learn More About Implementation Science Here

ER Overload: Patients Fear Losing Family Doctors

Patients in Ontario are flooding ERs for non-urgent issues, worried that seeking help elsewhere might get them booted from their family doctor’s list. The Ministry of Health clarified that ER visits won’t cause de-enrollment, but visits to walk-in clinics might. This has led to minor cases clogging up emergency rooms while others, avoid necessary care to stay on their doctor's roster. Health experts call for better communication to prevent these misunderstandings and keep ERs available for real emergencies.

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The Fight to Keep Hospital Services

Durham, Ontario, is battling to keep its local health services after South Bruce Grey Health Centre announced plans to cut ER hours and move inpatient beds due to staffing shortages. The Save the Durham Hospital Committee is rallying with protests and petitions, highlighting the critical need for rural hospitals. The Ontario Nurses Association blames a provincial staffing crisis, urging more support for public healthcare and better retention of nursing staff. Meanwhile, the government claims increased investment and eased entry for internationally educated workers.

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A Historic Pay Raise

Nurses in Ontario’s long-term care homes are getting their biggest pay raise in over 30 years. An arbitration decision granted Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) members an 11.5% pay increase over two years, including annual 3% raises and an extra 5.5% bump in the salary grid starting July 1. This means the hourly wage for registered nurses will jump from $32.22 to $33.99, with the top rate rising from $48.78 to $51.46. ONA President Erin Ariss praised the decision as a crucial step toward recognizing nurses' skilled work and closing the wage gap with private-sector nurses.

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New Children's Hospice in Hamilton

Ontario is investing up to $2.5 million in Kemp Care Network’s new 10-bed children’s hospice in Hamilton. Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta Children’s Hospice, set to open in 2026, will offer end-of-life care, including residential, respite, and at-home hospice services. The facility will feature bedrooms for children, play areas, day wellness programs, and grief support for families. This investment is part of Ontario's plan to enhance access to compassionate, specialized care close to home.

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Canadians Worry About Healthcare Impact of Tax Changes

A new survey by Abacus Data shows that most Canadians fear the 2024 federal budget’s capital gains tax changes will hurt the healthcare system, particularly access to family doctors and specialists. Over 60% believe these changes will lead to fewer family doctors and longer wait times. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is concerned, noting that many family doctors operate through corporations and calling for an exemption to maintain community-based care. While some support the changes for fairness, the majority predict negative impacts on healthcare access.

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One in Five Canadians Lack Primary Care

A new CMAJ study reveals a significant "attachment crisis" in Canadian healthcare, with one in five Canadians lacking a primary care clinician. Access varies by up to 70% across provinces, and only 34.5% of those with a clinician reported same- or next-day access for urgent issues. Dr. Tara Kiran's OurCare initiative found major regional disparities and suggests more equitable healthcare models. The CMA advocates for a patient home model to address the crisis, emphasizing team-based care for better outcomes and efficiency. The study underscores the importance of personal relationships with healthcare providers for patient satisfaction and effective care.

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Pride Groups Slam Alberta's Closed-Door Gender Policy Talks

Pride groups and healthcare providers are slamming the Alberta government for its secretive approach to gathering feedback on proposed gender identity policies. The government’s method involves private invites and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), drawing criticism from voices like Dr. Jake Donaldson, who argues these important issues should be discussed publicly. The proposed policies, which impact student gender identity, youth gender-affirming surgeries, and trans women’s participation in sports, have sparked backlash for their potential harm to trans and non-binary individuals. Many in the LGBTQ+ community feel shut out of the consultation process, demanding a more inclusive and transparent dialogue.

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