Module 1, Lecture 4

Physiotherapy Practice in Canada

Factors Impacting the Future of
Health Care in Canada

In this lecture you’ll learn how the changing

demographics of Canadians, the prevalence of
chronic diseases, and advances in technology are
likely to shape the future delivery of
physiotherapy in Canada.
 Predicting the future delivery of healthcare is
fraught with difficulty. The information presented
in this lecture provides a broad overview of the
factors likely to shape health care delivery in the
next 20-30 years.

5 Key Factors Impacting Future Health Care

1 A ageing population

2 Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases

3 Globalization and immigration

4 Advances in technology

5 Climate change
 This lecture will focus on

1 A ageing population

2 Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases

3 Advances in technology

The Canadian Population is Aging

Seniors (aged 65+) are the fastest

growing segment of the Canadian
population
 By 2051, about one in four
Canadians is expected to be aged 65
or over.

Seniors will demand

Access to Cheap Services to

medical prescription maintain
services medications lifestyle
An Aging Population Means More Disability

33% Aged 65+ report at least one disability

75% Aged 75+ report at least one disability

Source: Statistics Canada

Top Health Complaints of Seniors

Pain Mobility Loss

Vision Loss Source: Statistics Canada 2011

Hearing Loss
Physiotherapists will therefore need to
consider career paths that focus on
working with seniors.

Increasing Burden of Chronic Diseases

of deaths in Canada related to

67% cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular
and respiratory diseases.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

 One in eight Canadians have Arthritis

5 Common Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases

Cardiovascular Respiratory
Diabetes Cancers Arthritis
disease disease

Smoking

Alcohol

Inactivity

Diet

Obesity

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada – Chronic Disease Atlas 2008

Four of Five Canadians Have A Modifiable Risk Factor

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005

Shift from Acute Illness Care to Prevention + Management

Acute Disease
illness care prevention
 Primary Care

chronic disease
management
and prevention

Chronic Disease Prevention + Management

Physical Smoking Diet Weight Alcohol

Activity Cessation Management Consumption
Physiotherapists will therefore need to
consider moving out of traditional
practice settings like hospitals and
private practices and into primary care
settings.

Shift in Physiotherapy Practice

Screening Physical Senior’s

of chronic activity mobility
conditions prescription
 Health Technology is Evolving

Genomics Personal Nano

medicine technology

http://digitaljournal.com/tech/technology/technology-offers-a-brave-new-world-for-physical-therapy-patients/article/366998
 Web 2.0 means better informed patients

Web 2.0 Technologies Better informed patients

Patients are now connected to a virtual community of experts

The physiotherapist is no longer THE

authority but only one of many
authorities.
 Physiotherapists will need good
communication skills to help patients
filter through information and be able
to work collaboratively with patients.

In Review
1 Health delivery will be influenced by an aging population
and increasing burden chronic diseases.

1 Health delivery will be influenced by an aging population

and increasing burden chronic diseases.

2 Funding will shift from acute hospital care to chronic

disease management and prevention in the community.
1 Health delivery will be influenced by an aging population
and increasing burden chronic diseases.

2 Funding will shift from acute hospital care to chronic

disease management and prevention in the community.

3 Web 2.0 technologies means more informed patients.

1 Health delivery will be influenced by an aging population

and increasing burden chronic diseases.

2 Funding will shift from acute hospital care to chronic

disease management and prevention in the community.

3 Web 2.0 technologies means more informed patients.

Physiotherapists will need to consider working with seniors,

4 focus on chronic disease management, work in primary
care and work collaboratively with empowered patients.
 Thank you
for listening