Who is behind this campaign?
The Vancouver Division of Family Practice is a locally-based, non-political and independent organization that acts as the voice of Vancouver’s member family physicians. Our A GP For Me project is part of the province-wide A GP for Me initiative funded by the Government of BC and Doctors of BC.
Why do we exist?
Our goals are to improve primary health care (family medicine) for our patients and the Vancouver population, and to support family physicians and improve their levels of well-being and professional satisfaction.
Why are we reaching out to the public?
We know that if we can connect patients, especially those with chronic health problems to a family doctor that it is better for patient health, it is more efficient for the system and can save money.
We also know that over 100,000 Vancouverites are without a family doctor and approximately 24,000 citizens are actively looking for one.
We believe that we (family doctors in Vancouver) can work with citizens to develop a plan to improve this situation. Through improved efficiency, education and, we can strengthen GP-patient relationships and improve the way citizens use the system so more people can have a family doctor.
What do we believe?
Your family doctor is a specialist in family and general medicine
There is no one better qualified to provide comprehensive lifelong health care. Your GP is specifically trained to see to all your health care needs from pregnancy to end-of-life care and to be part of the health care team for treatment of serious diseases like cancer. They are your advocate in our health care system, and will help you navigate through it.
The centre of your health care
Your GP is the centre of a comprehensive network of health services and can refer you to other specialists or allied health professionals as required. Your GP will also communicate all pertinent information to other care providers, maintain your medical records and ensure you receive follow up care.
A long-term relationship.
Many GPs work lifelong with their patients. Research has shown that people who get regular care from a GP receive more preventative care, are more likely to be accurately diagnosed and are generally healthier. (Starfield and Mackinko, 2005).
What is the difference between a family doctor and a GP (general practitioner)?
They are the same and we use them interchangeably.
Why are we reaching out to the public?
We know that if we can connect patients, especially those with chronic health problems to a family doctor that it is better for patient health, it is more efficient for the system and can save money. We also know that over 100,000 Vancouverites are without a family doctor and approximately 24,000 citizens are actively looking for one. We believe that we (family doctors in Vancouver) can work with citizens to develop a plan to improve this situation. Through improved efficiency, education and understanding, we can change the way we work and the way patients use the system so more people can have a family doctor.
Will you find me a GP if I don’t have one?
We are working toward a solution where every one who wants a family doctor can get one in a timely way, but we can’t directly connect you with a family doctor. Currently the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia has a directory of physicians who are currently accepting new patient referrals.
Visit www.cpsbc.ca to view their directory.
If you have questions about this initiative, please use our contact forms, visit our blog, Facebook and Twitter feeds and for direct questions: questions@agpformevan.ca
