Family Physicians Play Critical Role

Dr. Imafidon Thomas Izekor, a family physician who earned his degree in medicine from the University of Lagos in Nigeria, provides comprehensive consultant level patient care at the Family Medicine Unit of the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Imafidon Thomas Izekor, MD, maintains his membership with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

In late April, the CFPC with the Canadian Society for Long-Term Care Medicine (CSLTCM) released the “Joint Position Statement on the Role of Family Physicians in Long-Term Care Homes.” The Family Medicine Professional Profile describes long-term care (LTC) homes as a primary setting where family physicians provide comprehensive patient care.

CFPC and CSLTCM have a long-standing partnership to advocate for system-wide improvements in patient care at LTC homes. The organizations recognized that the Canadian government allocated $3 billion over the next five years to support LTC.

In the position statement, CFPC and CSLTCM provided four courses of action to improve LTC in Canada. First, the national standards for patient care in LTC homes must be fully implemented. Second, there must be full support for family physician leadership, especially in medical director roles. Third, enhanced funding for LTC staff. Fourth, integration of effective and cohesive communication for continuing LTC support.