A new study suggests that recently trained family physicians practice similarly to their predecessors and are not to blame for medical access challenges in Canada.
Objective: To identify points for improvements within the health system where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer patients may experience a lack of continuity in their cancer care. The optimal care pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer (OCP) framework was utilised as a tool in this work. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with health professionals at the primary health care (PHC) and hospital setting. Data were categorised into six steps using the OCP framework. Results: This study identified multiple time-points in the cancer pathways that could be strengthened to increase the continuity of cancer care for these patients. In addition, the provision of person-centred care and adequate education tailored to patients' and health professionals' needs can help minimise the likelihood of patients experiencing a lack of continuity in their cancer care. Participants were recruited from an urban hospital (n = 9) and from six Abo
A prospective, observational study of patients aged 75 years and older suggests there are persistent problems with timely access to physicians, say researchers.