Studying the impact of healthcare reforms

All Canadians have access to universal medical care, but the nation’s healthcare system is still a work in progress. As healthcare costs continue to grow, governments in Canada have become more aggressive in pursuing healthcare reforms which enhance innovation and efficiency within the health system.

Glen Randall, associate professor in strategic market leadership and health services management, is interested in how these various reforms impact front-line health professionals. Moving beyond a typical focus on physicians and nurses, Randall’s research spans the spectrum of “allied” health professionals—from physiotherapists and social workers to pharmacists and dental hygienists—in a range of settings, including hospitals and homecare.

While Randall analyzes the theoretical implications associated with the impact of healthcare reforms on health professionalism, he is also concerned with more practical considerations of informing real-life policy and practice.

“Human resources account for a large proportion of healthcare costs,” he says. “It is therefore essential that we gain a better understanding of how policy changes impact the full continuum of healthcare providers if we are to maximize efficiency within the healthcare system.”

Published in Canadian Public Administration, Volume 52, Issue 1, pages 51–69, March 2009
Read full article.