Primary care lessons: What the Netherlands can teach us
Feb 21, 2025
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Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician and researcher from Toronto, dives into the world of primary care in the Netherlands. She discovers a system that excels with 24/7 access to care and efficient triage through dedicated call centers, lightening the load on emergency services. The discussion highlights the cultural significance of house calls and the pivotal role of practice assistants, which allow GPs to focus on complex cases. Kiran draws compelling comparisons to Canada, advocating for systemic reforms to enhance primary care accessibility and patient outcomes.
The Netherlands utilizes an efficient after-hours care system that minimizes emergency room visits by providing prompt access to general practitioners via triaging calls.
Dutch general practitioners prioritize acute care while collaborating with practice nurses for chronic conditions, enhancing patient-centered healthcare accessibility.
Deep dives
The Impact of After-Hours Care in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has established a robust after-hours care system that allows patients to access urgent medical services without visiting emergency departments. When non-life-threatening issues arise, individuals can call a central number where trained practice assistants gather detailed information before a general practitioner (GP) evaluates the situation. This efficient triaging process often leads to swift appointments, ensuring patients are seen in a timely manner, with wait times as low as 10 to 20 minutes to speak with a healthcare professional. By having GPs responsible for patient care 24/7 and employing effective call centers, the Netherlands reduces the burden on emergency rooms, which are generally less crowded compared to facilities in Canada.
The Role and Efficiency of Dutch General Practitioners
General practitioners in the Netherlands play a central role in the healthcare system, often termed "house doctors," and are accessible within a 15-minute travel radius for local patients. They are not only responsible for immediate care but also conduct home visits, highlighting the patient-centered approach prevalent in Dutch healthcare. Unlike in Canada, where GPs manage preventive care and chronic disease, Dutch GPs focus on acute care and collaborate with practice nurses for chronic conditions, allowing for a more efficient use of their time. This structure is supported by having a significant number of GPs relative to the population, ensuring high accessibility for all citizens.
Innovative Practices and Lessons for Canadian Healthcare
Canada faces significant challenges in providing accessible primary care, with only 83% of Canadians having a family doctor compared to 99% in the Netherlands. Dr. Tara Kiran's research emphasizes the potential for Canadian healthcare systems to integrate more streamlined after-hours services and practice assistants, which play a crucial role in the Dutch system. Implementing similar triage and care models could alleviate pressure on emergency departments and enhance primary care access across Canada. By sharing insights from the Dutch healthcare system, there is an opportunity for Canadian policymakers and healthcare practitioners to rethink how primary care is delivered, aiming toward improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Tara Kiran knows primary care in Canada can be better. That's why the Toronto-based family physician and researcher went to the Netherlands, a world leader in health, to see what we can take away. What she found is a system that provides around-the-clock care and primary care teams who can see patients when they need it most.
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