M Ruth Lavergne1, Sandra Peterson2, Rachael McKendry3, Saskia Sivananthan4, Kimberlyn McGrail5. 1. Graduate Student, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research School of Population and Public Health Faculty of Medicine University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC. 2. Analyst, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC. 3. Research Coordinator, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC. 4. Graduate Student, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC. 5. Associate Professor, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: British Columbia's primary care reform (initiated in 2002) aims to promote "full-service family practice" through incentive payments and other practice support programs. Despite attention to policy, no longitudinal analysis has been conducted of the activities of BC primary care physicians. METHODS: This study employed linked administrative health data from 1991/92 through 2009/10 to describe dimensions of care from the definition of "full-service family practice" used in BC reform, grouped into four categories: access, continuity, coordination and comprehensiveness. RESULTS: Access, continuity and coordination of care fell over the study period (p < 0.001). Some dimensions reflecting comprehensiveness of care declined (obstetrics and geriatric care), though the remainder did not change significantly. Overall declining trends were consistent across physician characteristics and remained significant when accounting for shifts to non- fee-for-service payment. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest efforts are not achieving their intended aims. Rigorous evaluation of individual components of reform is needed.
BACKGROUND:British Columbia's primary care reform (initiated in 2002) aims to promote "full-service family practice" through incentive payments and other practice support programs. Despite attention to policy, no longitudinal analysis has been conducted of the activities of BC primary care physicians. METHODS: This study employed linked administrative health data from 1991/92 through 2009/10 to describe dimensions of care from the definition of "full-service family practice" used in BC reform, grouped into four categories: access, continuity, coordination and comprehensiveness. RESULTS: Access, continuity and coordination of care fell over the study period (p < 0.001). Some dimensions reflecting comprehensiveness of care declined (obstetrics and geriatric care), though the remainder did not change significantly. Overall declining trends were consistent across physician characteristics and remained significant when accounting for shifts to non- fee-for-service payment. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest efforts are not achieving their intended aims. Rigorous evaluation of individual components of reform is needed.
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