The ecology of medical care for adults in Alberta, 2002/03 to 2016/17: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

If we are to improve the patient experience, knowing where and with whom people receive professional health advice and treatment (the ecology of medical care) is the first step. We designed this study to define the ecology of medical care in Alberta and to examine whether province-wide implementation of 5 policy changes between 2003 and 2012 changed patterns of care among adults in the province.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults (age ≥ 18 yr) in Alberta using routinely collected data from 6 linked administrative health databases, the 2016 Canadian Community Health Survey and the Alberta Health Link teletriage system. We collected data on all encounters with pharmacists, primary care physicians, specialists, emergency departments and hospitals

SUBMITTER: McAlister FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7082108 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature