Canada’s healthcare system may be at a turning point. A growing body of evidence and a clear call from medical experts are pointing toward a more collaborative future: team-based care. Recent reports, including new data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), highlight this shift as a key solution to primary care challenges. At Harrison Healthcare, we welcome this national conversation, as it reinforces the patient-centered, multidisciplinary model we’ve championed from the start.
The Shift Towards Collaborative Healthcare
For years, the traditional model of primary care in Canada has often placed the entire responsibility of the health journey on a single family doctor. Physicians are essential, but modern health needs are complex, and it’s clear that a broader spectrum of expertise leads to better outcomes. This reality has led to a nationwide movement toward team-based care, where doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, exercise medicine specialists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals work together as a unified team.
The CIHI recently reported a significant increase in the number of nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physiotherapists across Canada. This growth in diverse health professions is a crucial building block for creating more comprehensive primary care teams. The goal is simple: bring together a range of skills to assess, treat, and support individuals more effectively and efficiently. This approach helps reduce wait times, improve access for millions of Canadians, and deliver more holistic health outcomes.
Organizations like the Canadian Medical Association are now advocating for this model to become the standard, not the exception.
The Harrison Healthcare Model: A Vision Realized
Team-based care is increasingly recognized as an innovative solution, and it has always been central to our approach. We prioritize a multidisciplinary model to deliver personalized, holistic care for every client. As the broader healthcare system begins to recognize the value of this model, we have been living it, refining it, and proving its effectiveness.
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
As Deb Gordon, CEO of Health Workforce Canada, aptly points out, there’s no universal solution to the challenges facing our overall healthcare system. Different communities have different needs, and flexibility is key. This philosophy aligns with Harrison’s approach, where personalization is essential to provide effective care targeted around their lifestyle, goals, and unique needs. Our teams work collaboratively to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and integrated care that goes beyond regimented assessments and generalized recommendations. This includes providing advanced diagnostic services, personalized health assessments, proactive health management and building lasting client relationships.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
The CIHI report also highlights a critical issue: the need for more healthcare workers. Canada faces a significant shortfall, with tens of thousands of additional professionals required to meet future demands. While this is a daunting challenge, it also underscores the importance of making the most of our existing workforce through team-based care. By leveraging the unique skills and expertise of each team member, we can maximize efficiency and ensure that Canadians receive the right care at the right time.
At Harrison, we see the value of empowering our teams. By leaning on dietitians to support diabetes care, nurses to manage hypertension care, and exercise physiologists to help with fall prevention, we’ve created an environment where every professional can contribute to their fullest potential. This team-based approach benefits our clients and also enhances job satisfaction and retention among our staff.
Leading the Way
As Canada continues to explore and expand team-based care, Harrison remains a shining example of what’s possible. We’re proud to see the national healthcare system moving in a direction that aligns with our long-held values and practices.
Our collaborative approach promises true integration, where our physicians have ample time with their clients and are also given dedicated time to collaborate with their Care Team: registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, nurses, mental healthcare professionals, genetic counsellors and more. During these discussions, they collectively review individual client cases, ensuring that every aspect of a client’s health is thoroughly considered. This allows us to develop truly comprehensive care plans, providing well-rounded, expert guidance meticulously tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals.
Most importantly, we’re excited about the opportunities this presents for improving care across the country.
