Medical Doctors in Health Reforms: A Comparative Study of England and Canada

This comparative study examines the role of medical doctors in reforming publicly funded health services in England and Canada, exploring their influence on policy-making and the complex relationship between doctors and systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This comprehensive comparative study delves into the crucial role of medical doctors in reforming publicly funded health services in England and Canada. Drawing upon the expertise of esteemed authors from both health and legal backgrounds on both sides of the Atlantic, the book explores the profound influence that the high status of the profession holds in shaping reforms. By providing summaries of developments in models of care and examining the participation of doctors since the inception of publicly funded healthcare systems, the authors raise important questions about whether professionals can be considered allies or enemies of policy-makers.

Through insightful analysis and compelling insights, this book makes a significant contribution to ongoing debates about the intricate relationship between doctors and the systems in which they practice. It offers valuable perspectives for future health policy and research, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape healthcare delivery and governance.

The study begins by examining the historical context and evolving models of care in both England and Canada. It highlights the significant contributions of medical doctors in shaping these systems and the challenges they have faced along the way. The authors then explore the role of doctors in policy-making processes, including their involvement in decision-making bodies, advocacy efforts, and shaping public opinion.

The book also examines the tensions and conflicts that arise between the professional interests of doctors and the broader goals of healthcare reform. It explores how the high status of the profession can sometimes hinder progress, as doctors may resist changes that challenge their authority or undermine their expertise. However, it also acknowledges the potential for doctors to be agents of change, advocating for patient-centered care, quality improvement, and cost-effectiveness.

The authors conclude by offering recommendations for future reforms and the role of medical doctors in driving them. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, transparency, and accountability in healthcare systems, as well as the need for policies that promote innovation, equity, and sustainability.

Overall, this timely comparative study provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debates about the role of medical doctors in reforming publicly funded health services. It offers insights into the complex relationship between doctors, policy-makers, and the broader healthcare system, and provides a roadmap for future reforms that prioritize patient-centered care, quality improvement, and sustainability.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 161 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447352150