STRATFORD, P.E.I. — P.E.I.’s doctors are calling for change in how the health-care system is designed, planned and managed.
The Medical Society of Prince Edward Island (MSPEI) issued its Prescription for Improving P.E.I.’s Health-Care System, a health policy statement, on April 5.
A P.E.I. physician survey, issued by the Medical Society in February 2019, validates the profession’s call for change.
The survey findings showed physicians’ No. 1 interest was to have more meaningful involvement in health-care decision making.
The desire to create change is driven by their ongoing challenges working within the current health-care system.
The survey found that among physicians’ top workplace stressors was trying to provide timely care for their patients and navigating the health system on behalf of their patients.
The policy statement is intended to guide health-care decisions during and long after this election.
MSPEI has shared its position statement directly with each political party.
Doctors are recommending the province focus on four areas:
- Integrate physicians early in the decision-making processes so they can help problem solve, design and implement health system improvements.
- Implement primary care models based on each community’s needs that provide quality care that is accessible and sustainable.
- Show more leadership in health-care innovation, starting with creating an electronic health record for every Islander.
- Develop and implement a physician resource plan and have doctors recruit doctors.
