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Results from the 2022 Commonwealth Fund (CMWF) International ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians

Many family doctors are using electronic medical records (EMRs) in their practice. 

Over the years, the number of Canadian primary care physicians using EMRs in their practice has increased significantly. Percentages for Canada are as follows: 73% in 2015, 86% in 2019 and 93% in 2022. The Commonwealth Fund average was 89% in 2015, and 93% in both 2019 and 2022. 

The Pan-Canadian ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Data Strategy is an initiative aimed at improving the collection, sharing and use of health data across Canada. With better data, family doctors can provide higher-quality, patient-centred care.

76% of Canadian primary care physicians have electronic access to information systems. 

Electronic exchange of information with other health care providers improved: 

• Regarding family doctors who can electronically exchange patient clinical summaries, the proportions for Canada were 25% in 2019 and 38% in 2022. The Commonwealth Fund average was 63% in 2019 and 67% in 2022. 
• Regarding family doctors who can electronically exchange lab and diagnostic test results, the proportions for Canada were 36% in 2019 and 55% in 2022. The Commonwealth Fund average was 65% in 2019 and 72% in 2022.
• Regarding family doctors who can electronically exchange a list of all medications taken by a patient, the proportions for Canada were 33% in 2019 and 51% in 2022. The Commonwealth Fund average was 62% in 2019 and 68% in 2022.

Better communication between family doctors and specialists can improve the management of patient care. 

Canadian family doctors reported that coordinating referrals with specialists is a major problem. The proportions of family doctors who reported this as a major problem are as follows: Switzerland, 18%; Germany, 22%; Australia, 25%; United States, 27%; Netherlands, 28%; Commonwealth Fund average, 33%; Sweden, 37%; United Kingdom, 38%; New Zealand, 43%; France, 44%; and Canada, 49%. Canada is below the Commonwealth Fund average. A lower percentage is more desirable. 

53% of Canadian family doctors usually receive information about changes to their referred patients’ medication or care plan. This is similar to the Commonwealth Fund average of 52%. A higher percentage is more desirable.

19% of Canadian family doctors usually receive a report for their referred patients with the results of the specialist visit within 1 week of service. This is similar to the Commonwealth Fund average of 18%. A higher percentage is more desirable.

Notification to family doctors about patients who received care elsewhere can be improved: 

• 24% of Canadian family doctors usually receive notifications about patients who have been seen for after-hours care. This is below the Commonwealth Fund average of 40%. A higher percentage is more desirable.
• 50% of Canadian family doctors usually receive notifications about patients who have been seen in an emergency department. This is similar to the Commonwealth Fund average of 47%. A higher percentage is more desirable.
• 53% of Canadian family doctors usually receive notifications about patients who have been admitted to hospital. This is similar to the Commonwealth Fund average of 50%. A higher percentage is more desirable.

  Back to Commonwealth Fund survey, 2022