{"title":"Non-regulated but involved: Exploring the experiences of unregulated support providers in MAiD service delivery in Canada.","authors":"Clinton Ekaeze, Devidas Menon, Tania Stafinski","doi":"10.1177/08404704251363081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251363081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since its legalization in 2016, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada has undergone significant development, yet the roles of Unregulated Support Providers (USPs) remain largely overlooked in research and policy discussions. This study investigates the experiences of and challenges faced by USPs supporting patients choosing MAiD in Canada. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 USPs across Canada, recruited via purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed to explore experiences and identify patterns of service provision, collaboration, and barriers to care. USPs offer emotional, educational, and logistical support to patients and families navigating MAiD-related decisions. Despite their contributions, they face barriers, such as financial inaccessibility and lack of formal recognition. Participants advocated for greater integration into the formal healthcare system and regulation to enhance accountability, accessibility, and patient safety. USPs can play an important yet overlooked role in MAiD. Their formal recognition could enhance psychosocial care for patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251363081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145126214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Addressing burnout and fatigue in surgical services: Leveraging external partnerships and institutional support.","authors":"Jessica Mulli, Erin Murdoch","doi":"10.1177/08404704251357533","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251357533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Burnout and fatigue are significant challenges in healthcare, especially within our surgical services. Our remote location, frequent leadership turnover, chronic understaffing, and misalignment between operating room hours and community needs have led to excessive overtime, exhaustion, and sick leave. A sustainability plan was co-developed with stakeholders. The plan addresses human factors through department stabilization, expanded operating hours, increased baseline staffing, and training via a partnership with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurse perioperative certification program. The plan was assessed using a project analysis approach. Our objective is to demonstrate how institutional support and partnerships can reduce burnout and fatigue in surgical services. This article offers practical lessons for health leaders and other professionals seeking sustainable solutions. Six-month review showed a substantial decrease in overtime among operating room nurses and a reduction in agency nurse use. Leveraging institutional supports supported a more sustainable work-life balance and reduced burnout.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251357533"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145126233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protection for us not \"from us\": Perspectives from Cree-Anishnaabe, Dene/Métis, and Hul'q'umi'num' physician leaders on moving beyond assumed benevolence.","authors":"Marcia Anderson, Danièle Behn Smith, Shannon Waters","doi":"10.1177/08404704251363775","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251363775","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The role that a government can or should play in a public health crisis or in the health of the public can only be understood by considering how it has defined its role in the past and the impacts that has caused. While many might assume that government-led public health has been net beneficial and universal in its intents and approaches across the population of Canada, the history of Indian healthcare tells a different story. We are a trio of Cree-Anishnaabe, Dene/Métis, and Hul'q'umi'num' physician leaders who believe that the role of governments in the health of the public, including during crisis, should be to protect and advance the health of all. In our experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed settler governments uphold historical public health paradigms that undermined the inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We also witnessed pockets of transformation where rights-based frameworks and anti-racist approaches were implemented that resulted in better outcomes for First Nations and Métis Peoples. We believe that for settler governments to protect and advance health for all, assumptions of exhaustive and benevolent jurisdiction over Indigenous Peoples and lands must be dismantled to create new, unfamiliar, co-governance models.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251363775"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of government in public health and public health crises: A perspective from Alberta.","authors":"Braden J Manns, Stephanie E Hastings","doi":"10.1177/08404704251359463","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251359463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Public health leaders and programs have played an important role in Alberta's response to major health events, including COVID-19. We discuss how the Alberta provincial government has exerted increasing control over public health functions in the province, and how this played out over the course of the pandemic and beyond. Given the significant role that the social determinants of health play in shaping the health of the population, we also discuss how successive governments have approached policy and investment in public health. Using our experiences, we discuss a more effective role for government in a public health crisis, and in the health of the public more broadly. We advocate for a Health in All Policies approach to government decision-making and a move towards focusing on evidence rather than ideology.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251359463"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shaindel Kestenberg, Radhika H Patel, Adrienna O Tan, Danielle C De Graeve, Arash Dhar, Tamara Dus
{"title":"Lean integration: A blueprint for occupational health services transformation in healthcare mergers.","authors":"Shaindel Kestenberg, Radhika H Patel, Adrienna O Tan, Danielle C De Graeve, Arash Dhar, Tamara Dus","doi":"10.1177/08404704251360226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251360226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This is a case study about University Health Network (UHN) and West Park (WP) Healthcare Centre's merger in April 2024, marking a significant milestone in organizational transformation. As part of this integration, Occupational Health departments at both organizations were unified into a single team. Data collection, process mapping, and gap analysis were employed to conduct current-state assessments, which identified key differences in organizational structure, database systems, technology platforms, and operational processes. By addressing these gaps, the team clarified roles, centralized infrastructure, aligned policies, and standardized workflows. Four key domains were targeted for integration: organizational structure, database systems, technology platforms, and operational processes. Challenges in change management, resource allocation, and training were addressed strategically. This integration approach improved multidisciplinary communications, standardized protocols, reduced manually intensive administrative workload, and enhanced safety, emphasizing project scoping, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative solutions for operational excellence.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251360226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dynamics of public health federalism in Canada.","authors":"Katherine Fierlbeck, Jasmine Pawa","doi":"10.1177/08404704251362066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251362066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Canada's federal structure is the institutional reality informing our system of public health. While there are advantages to this decentralization, it can also lead to fragmentation and inefficiencies. Calls for stronger federal leadership or better collaboration between jurisdictions are common, but they do not directly address the question of why there has been so little progress in moving in either of these directions. Through the lens of six key public health functions, this article describes contextual realities and disparate interests of the jurisdictions. These underpin a dynamic for public health decision-making in which rational decisions can lead to suboptimal outcomes collectively. Understanding the dynamics of federalism underlying public health in Canada can help us to identify and address barriers to a more effective public health system.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251362066"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145070700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Towards a well-being society: Public health's role in the healthcare system and in society in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.","authors":"T Hancock, C Neudorf, G Watson-Creed","doi":"10.1177/08404704251368002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251368002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Eight years ago, we were part of a team of authors who wrote about challenges facing public health at that time, indicating threats to public health that also threatened the health of the population and the sustainability of the healthcare system. Eight years later, the issues we discussed remain. In this article, we reflect on what \"public health\" is, its challenges, and its role both within and beyond the healthcare sector. In particular, we focus on the challenges of downgrading public health within governments and health authorities, of limiting the independence of public health officials, and of limiting public health's scope by combining it with primary and community care. We conclude with the role of public health in wider society and on what could be gained both within and beyond the health sector from a strong public health system that is oriented around a well-being society.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251368002"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145070720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tianna M Bennett, Matthew Cooper, Nivethine Mahendran
{"title":"Healing Through Etuaptmumk: Paths to Wellness for Indigenous Youth of Newfoundland and Labrador.","authors":"Tianna M Bennett, Matthew Cooper, Nivethine Mahendran","doi":"10.1177/08404704251359615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251359615","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Health innovation involves reducing silos, bringing together interdisciplinary teams, and supporting person-centerd care, particularly for mental well-being. Indigenous youth in Newfoundland and Labrador report having poor mental health, with few options for support in their home communities. How can Integrated Youth Services and traditional modalities of healing support clinical care to improve mental health outcomes for Indigenous Youth?</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"8404704251359615"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145070786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Casandra Gardner, Kevin Ibach, Crystal Su, Elaine McKevitt
{"title":"Re-imagining breast care: Cost-effective innovations for Canadian healthcare.","authors":"Casandra Gardner, Kevin Ibach, Crystal Su, Elaine McKevitt","doi":"10.1177/08404704251348812","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704251348812","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With an anticipated increase in breast screening volume, provincial healthcare systems and health leaders must identify innovative technologies and care pathways that can alleviate the burden of an already resource-constrained healthcare system. The solution explored here utilizes vacuum-assisted technology that is clinically equivalent and a more cost-effective alternative care pathway, as successfully demonstrated in many other countries. This article reviews the clinical efficacy of Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy (VAB) and Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE) and calculates the potential Canadian direct cost savings by implementing VAE for the management of benign and high-risk breast lesions in place of Surgical Diagnostic Excision (SDE): calculated to be $1,607,769 to $11,341,107 (2025 CAD) annually in Canada, or $2,208 (2025 CAD) per-patient procedural savings from avoiding SDEs. Additional non-quantifiable patient benefits are also explored: avoiding unnecessary surgery; preventing the associated anxiety and time off work; and greater patient autonomy over their diagnosis journey, helping maintain their quality of life. Finally, barriers to adoption are identified, and an Implementation Leadership Action Plan is proposed, to help support the successful integration of this practice shift. The plan includes procedural reimbursement and policy changes, and multidisciplinary engagement targeting radiology, surgery, and pathology stakeholders.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":"38 5","pages":"410-417"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Physician assistants working in primary care in Canada: Findings from a national survey.","authors":"Kristen Burrows, Leslie Nickell, Paul Krueger","doi":"10.1177/08404704251347908","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08404704251347908","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physician Assistants (PAs) are increasingly recognized as part of the solution to addressing Canada's primary care shortage. This study reports findings from a national survey of 386 Canadian PAs with primary care experience. Respondents described delivering a broad scope of care, including direct patient management, teaching, mentorship, and quality improvement across settings such as elderly care, mental health, Indigenous health, refugee health, and rural communities. Most PAs reported high confidence in core competencies and effective integration into interprofessional teams. Despite this, systemic barriers persist including inadequate funding, role ambiguity, and resistance from other providers. Many PAs (71%) expressed job satisfaction, and 75% would recommend primary care practice. The study highlights opportunities to improve PA utilization and access to care through policy reform, better funding models, and expanded educational supports. These insights are valuable for policy-makers, administrators, and educators aiming to strengthen primary care delivery and PA role optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":39854,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare Management Forum","volume":" ","pages":"456-463"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12329147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}