Family medicine groups (GMFs) created to improve access to primary care in Quebec in 2001 were “not delivering supplies” and “failed,” according to a new study by the Institute for Socio-Economic Research and Information (IRIS).
Released at 12:00 p.m.
Anne Plourde, a researcher at IRIS and York University, notes that FMGs were initially intended to “increase access to family physicians, reduce emergency room congestion, and improve access to psychiatric services.” However, “General Indicators of MSSS [ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux] It is clear that none of these three objectives have been achieved, ”the study said.
Between 2014-2015 and 2020-2021, “the proportion of patients registered to the GMF physician increased by only 2%”. In addition, one in six GMFs has “contracts” with some emergency rooms across Quebec so they treat specific FMG patients, especially on evenings and weekends, Ms. says.Me Looting.
Funded by Quebec, FMGs typically provide 68 hours of service per week. But the researcher explains that those who do not succeed can sign contracts with other companies, including emergencies. “However, FMGs had to open emergency rooms. This logic is difficult to understand,” he said.Me Plourde says access to psychological social services has not improved with the advent of FMGs.
For meMe Florde said, “The GMF model does not live up to its promises.” He notes that most FMGs are “mostly publicly funded” private companies. A kind of “Drug Inc.” This, in his opinion, is for the benefit of physicians and not for the benefit of patients.
Many factors involved
At the Quebec General Practitioners Association (FMOQ), it was explained that the access problem for the first line is caused not only by the model of the maintenance system but also by a number of factors.
Jean-Pierre Dion, FMOQ’s communications director, notes that in 2001 there were “an equal number of general practitioners and specialists.” “Today, there are less than 1100 general coaches,” he says. More than 500 family physician positions have been vacant since 2013. He brought physicians to “many places except FMGs” for specialized medical procedures that are mandatory for general practitioners, especially at the beginning of training. With regard to access to psychological social services, Mr. Dion confirms that the shortage of workers in the public has never been so obvious.
MMe “Other factors work,” Plord admits. “But the FMGs have not fulfilled their mandate,” he says. The study comes as FMOQ is set to announce the outcome of its members’ vote on a policy agreement with the government aimed at improving access to primary care in the province.
