Alberta's New Surgical Funding Model Faces Criticism from Health Experts
‘Won’t fix our systems’: Doctor breaks down Alberta’s ‘patient-focused funding’ model
Image: Ctv News
The Alberta government has introduced a 'patient-focused funding' model for hospitals, linking funding to the number and complexity of surgeries. Dr. Braden Manns from the University of Calgary critiques the model, expressing concerns about its potential to neglect complex surgeries and impact overall care quality.
- 01The new funding model, termed 'patient-focused funding,' shifts resources from a global budget to activity-based funding based on surgery costs.
- 02Dr. Braden Manns warns that while the model may increase the number of certain surgeries, it could lead to neglect of complex procedures like cancer surgeries.
- 03Chartered surgical facilities are likely to prioritize simpler, more profitable surgeries, leaving hospitals with sicker patients requiring more intensive care.
- 04The cost for surgeries under the new model is significantly higher than current hospital costs, raising concerns about financial sustainability.
- 05Manns emphasizes the need for a long-term strategy and careful regulation to avoid unintended consequences of the new funding approach.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Alberta government has implemented a new funding model for hospitals, known as 'patient-focused funding,' which ties financial resources to the volume and complexity of surgeries performed. Premier Jason Kenney claims this approach will enhance efficiency and transparency. However, Dr. Braden Manns, a professor of medicine and health economics at the University of Calgary, expresses skepticism about the model's effectiveness. He notes that while it may increase the number of surgeries, particularly in chartered surgical facilities, it risks sidelining more complex procedures that require hospital settings, such as cancer surgeries. Manns highlights that the funding model's focus on easier, more profitable surgeries could lead to longer wait times for patients needing more intensive care. He also raises concerns about the high costs associated with surgeries under this model, which could financially penalize hospitals if they do not meet the expected volume. Manns advocates for a balanced approach that includes regulation and a long-term plan to address systemic issues in Alberta's healthcare.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The new funding model could lead to longer wait times for complex surgeries, affecting patients who require intensive care.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about Alberta's new patient-focused funding model?
Connecting to poll...
More about University of Calgary
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.