Canadian Healthcare System

1. Canadian Medicare (CORE IDEA)

  • Based on: equity, fairness, compassion, dignity, solidarity

  • Big issue: cost → delisting services

Canada Health Act (MEMORIZE THESE 5)

  1. Universality → everyone covered

  2. Comprehensiveness → necessary services covered

  3. Accessibility → no barriers (no $ at point of care)

  4. Public administration → non-profit system

  5. Portability → covered across provinces

👉 If you get a scenario question, it’s ALWAYS testing one of these.

2. Government Roles (VERY TESTABLE)

Federal:

  • Covers specific groups (Indigenous, military, RCMP)

  • Health promotion + disease prevention

  • Research

  • Gives $ to provinces

  • Ensures portability

Provincial:

  • RUNS EVERYTHING

  • Planning, managing, delivering care

👉 Trick: Federal = money + standards
👉 Provincial = actual care

3. Funding

  • Public = taxation (MAIN)

  • Private = insurance + out-of-pocket

  • Drugs = special programs (like ODB)

4. Access to Care (COMMON MC)

Factors:

  • Supply of health care providers

  • Facilities

  • Socioeconomic status

  • Location

👉 If someone can’t get care → usually one of these

5. Health Service Organizations (HSO)

  • Paid per patient per year

  • Encourages preventative care

👉 Compare:

  • Fee-for-service = more visits = more pay

  • HSO = keep patients healthy

6. Emergency Departments (HIGH YIELD)

Triage

  • Prioritizes based on severity

Overcrowding causes:

  • Lack of beds

  • Increased patient demand

  • Staff shortages

Effects:

  • Long wait times

  • Safety risks

  • Lower productivity

7. Discharge Pathways

  • Home → CCAC (home care)

  • Retirement home → minimal help

  • Long-term care → 24/7 support

8. Quality Assurance

  • Licensure

  • Accreditation

  • Peer review

  • Malpractice litigation