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“With attention focused on developing a new health accord between the federal government and the provinces and territories on health care, there is no better time to address serious deficiencies in the care provided to patients requiring palliative care,” said Dr. David Henderson, president of the CSPCP.
Framework: Implement a high-quality, cost-effective palliative care service delivery model.
Funding: Invest funding in physician shortfalls, teaching and education, research and infrastructure.
Standards: Set, monitor and enforce national standards for palliative care in Canada.
Recruitment: Promote recruitment and plan retention initiatives for palliative care providers.
Coverage: Standardize provincial drug plans and health supplies coverage.
Technology: Promote technological innovation in practice and minimally invasive palliative procedures.
The recommendation surrounding recruitment and retention should be of particular interest to Nova Scotians. The CSPCP report states that, on average, only one in three Canadians has access to specialized palliative care services. In Nova Scotia, the situation is bleaker: the province only has 12 specialized palliative care physicians. That’s simply not enough doctors to provide the care that Nova Scotia’s aging, sick population (178,000 people over the age of 65, with a high rate of chronic disease) needs.
The recommendation promoting technology is also of extreme importance. This would encompass things such as telemedicine – the ability to diagnose and treat patients remotely. Patients who live in rural and remote areas, are disabled or incarcerated, or prefer to receive care in their own homes would benefit from this.
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