Main description:

The health care system in Canada receives a great deal of international attention, but it is subject to considerable critique and debate locally. Health Systems in Transition: Canada provides an insightful and objective analysis of the organization, governance, financing, and delivery of health care as well as comparisons between the Canadian system and others internationally.

This book draws on a wide range of empirical studies and statistical data within Canada and across comparable countries to provide a thorough description of the many facets of health care in Canada. Drawing on the most reliable and recent data available, this study reveals the strengths and weakness of Canadian health care. This assessment is based on numerous comparisons of Canada to peer countries (Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and among provinces and territories within Canada. It will be of interest to scholars and students in Canada wanting to learn more about the largest and most celebrated public program, and for those outside Canada interested in comparative systems and policy research.

Contents:

Preface
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations and acronyms
List of tables, figures and boxes
Abstract
Executive summary

1 Introduction
1.1 Geography and sociodemography
1.2 Economic context
1.3 Political context
1.4 Health status

2 Organization and governance
2.1 Historical background
2.2 Organization
2.3 Decentralization and centralization
2.4 Planning
2.5 Intersectorality
2.6 Health information systems
2.7 Regulation
2.8 Person-centred care

3 Financing
3.1 Health expenditure
3.2 Sources of revenue and financial flows
3.3 Overview of the statutory financing system
3.4 Out-of-pocket payments
3.5 Private health insurance
3.6 Social insurance
3.7 Other
3.8 Payment mechanisms

4 Physical and human resources
4.1 Physical resources
4.2 Human resources

5 Provision of services
5.1 Public health
5.2 Patient pathways
5.3 Primary care
5.4 Specialized care
5.5 Urgent and emergency care
5.6 Pharmaceutical care
5.7 Rehabilitation/intermediate care
5.8 Long-term care
5.9 Services for informal carers
5.10 Palliative care
5.11 Mental health care
5.12 Dental care
5.13 Health services for Indigenous peoples

6 Principal health reforms
6.1 Analysis of recent reforms
6.2 Future developments

7 Assessment of the health system
7.1 Health system governance
7.2 Accessibility
7.3 Financial protection
7.4 Health care quality
7.5 Health system outcomes
7.6 Health system efficiency

8 Conclusions

9 Appendices
9.1 References
9.2 Useful websites
9.3 HiT methodology and production process
9.4 The review process
9.5 About the authors

Index