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You and Your Family Doctor
A relationship worth building
Traditionally, everyone has had a family doctor. For many good reasons this is how health care has been handled. However, changes to society and our health system are making it more difficult to build a relationship with a family doctor. With higher education, Internet access, and other ways to get care, we may wonder whether a family doctor is still necessary. Is such a relationship worth the time and effort it takes to build it?
The Four Principles of Family Medicine
- The patient-physician relationship is central to the role of the family physician.
- The family physician is a resource to a defined practice population.
- Family medicine is a community-based discipline.
- The family physician is a skilled clinician.
Certainly it is difficult to get and keep a family doctor. Canada currently has a significant shortage in this area. More than four million Canadians cannot find family physicians to care for them. This is not just our problem, but exists worldwide.
Recent surveys found that Canadians without family doctors experience long waits throughout the system. They are also less satisfied with all other health professionals, institutions, and governments.
The same survey finds that we continue to place high value on the role of family physicians. More than two thirds of those questioned said these doctors are their most important caregivers.
About the family doctor
In Canada, family doctors must complete a medical degree and at least two years of specialized post-graduate training. These physicians practice medicine at the primary care level. Primary care can be defined as a medical ‘home’ – the first place we go to for help, and where we should feel most comfortable. Relationship is key. Family doctors serve a defined population, those who are part of their practice. Family medicine is based in the community. Doctors working in this field are skilled clinicians.
Help! How do I Find
a Family Doctor?
- Ask a respected friend or relative for the name of a family doctor.
- Talk to health workers or those working at your local hospital.
- Call your local health authority or health line.
Help in Finding a Family Doctor
The colleges of physicians and surgeons in Alberta and British Columbia can help you find a family doctor in your area who is accepting new patients.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
College of Physicians and Surgeons
of British Columbia
In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the colleges provide listings of physicians registered in the province, but do not indicate whether they are accepting new patients.
College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Manitoba
College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Saskatchewan
For more information about family doctors in Canada and your province, these websites may be of interest:
The College of Family Physicians
of Canada
The Alberta College of Family Physicians
The British Columbia College
of Family Physicians
Primary care is based on a continuing relationship between patients and those who care for them. A particular disease, organ or system is not the focus. Rather, each patient’s personal and medical history, along with life circumstances, is considered in caring for the whole person. Family doctors also play a unique role in integrating health care from various providers.
Evidence shows the value of a good relationship with a freely chosen primary-care doctor. Preferably it should extend over several years. Benefits include better and more appropriate care, better health, and lower cost. This relationship encourages enhanced continuity of care and use of preventative services which lead to fewer hospitalizations and deaths. It has been said that these doctors serve as gatekeepers. However, it may help to think of them opening gates and supporting each individual in getting the care they need.
Most people with health problems have more than one ailment. It makes sense to have a primary care doctor who can help decide whether a specialist is needed. The family doctor can also coordinate the efforts of multiple caregivers if necessary. When specialists care for problems outside their area of expertise, the results are not as good as with primary care.
In their practices, family doctors see many people. They diagnose and treat a variety of health issues. In helping this broad spectrum of patients, doctors may help integrate service from different parts of the health care system. Countries with a primary care infrastructure have lower rates of early death, deaths from treatable conditions and infant deaths – even considering differences in populations.
How does a relationship with a family doctor help me?
Establishing yourself with a family physician allows you to expect certain things. Ideally, this relationship can will assist your doctor to help you by:
- Maintaining a strong relationship, so that you are comfortable discussing various issues and your doctor can understand your needs.
- Providing access to services, so that through your doctor you can find any new or preventative care you may need.
- Caring for all common needs and referring you to a specialist if the problem is unusual or uncommon.
- Co-ordinating care, so that if you do need to be referred elsewhere the advice you receive is integrated within the total care you receive.
Many studies confirm the benefits of these four characteristics of primary care. Most important is having confidence in your doctor. Keeping the same doctor for at least two to five years allows enough time to build a strong relationship. When doctors know patients well, diagnosis can be more efficient and accurate.
Establishing a relationship with your family doctor makes for a better experience within the health system when you need it.
Look for a family doctor who:
- understands, respects, and answers your questions
- allows you and your family to feel comfortable in being open and honest
- is available for you on an ongoing basis.
FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of |
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FAMILY HEALTH is written with the assistance of |
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