Strategies to Overcome Physician Shortages in Northern Ontario
Author Information
Author(s): Pong Raymond W
Primary Institution: Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research and Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University
Hypothesis
This study seeks to document the introduction of programmes intended to help solve physician shortages in northern Ontario over a 35-year period.
Conclusion
The study reveals that an examination of a policy is incomplete if implementation has not been taken into consideration.
Supporting Evidence
- Physicians tend to congregate in larger cities, leaving many rural areas underserved.
- 9.4% of physicians practiced in rural areas where over 21% of Canadians lived in 2004.
- Many strategies have been used to effect a more equitable distribution of physicians.
Takeaway
This study looks at how the government tried to get more doctors to work in northern Ontario over 35 years and found that just making policies isn't enough; they need to be put into action.
Methodology
A programme analysis approach was adopted to examine the introduction and characteristics of various programmes over time.
Limitations
The study treats all programmes as equal and does not account for the varying complexity and impact of different programmes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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