Diagnostic services in Ontario: descriptive analysis and jurisdictional review
You J, Alter D, Iron K, Slaughter P, Kopp A, Przybysz R, Thiruchelvam D, Devore L, Laupacis A
Record ID 32011000216
English
Authors' objectives:
The Diagnostic Services Committee (DSC), with representation from the Ontario Medical Association, the Ontario Hospital Association, and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), was established through the Physician Services Framework Agreement. The DSC provides advice to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care on the planning and coordination of the diagnostic services system in Ontario. One of its first priorities was to establish strategic goals and directions for Ontario’s diagnostic services system. To assist in this process, the DSC asked the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences to describe the extent to which diagnostic imaging services are currently provided to patients, as well as to provide information about how Ontario manages these services in the context of other national and international jurisdictions. To this end, a descriptive analysis of the utilization of diagnostic services in Ontario and a review of the management of these services in a number of selected jurisdictions was undertaken. For the most part, this report focuses on diagnostic imaging technologies because they comprise the majority of technologically advanced, high cost and rapidly growing diagnostic services in Ontario. Laboratory and pathology services as well as genetic testing were excluded.
This report also highlights lessons, cautionary advice and recommendations for the future of Ontario’s diagnostic services system. In addition to the DSC, this document will be of interest to a broader audience of policy makers and stakeholders who share a desire to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of diagnostic services in their own jurisdictions.
Authors' recommendations:
Modern diagnostic imaging has rightly been hailed as one of the most important medical advances of the past century, with the potential for significant benefits to the health of Ontarians. Innovations in diagnostic technology continue at a rapid pace and are accompanied by a rapid proliferation of diagnostic testing. Yet significant increases in population rates of diagnostic testing, substantial rates of repeat testing, and regional variations in practice patterns raise questions about whether this proliferation is consistent with increased medical need. Data that are routinely collected in Ontario do not include information about diagnostic test indications or results—information that would be necessary in starting discussions about the appropriateness of current utilization patterns. The greatest challenge that lies ahead is to determine and ensure the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic technology. Ontario has the opportunity to develop the best methods of managing diagnostic imaging services and should be prepared to rigorously evaluate their success in the coming years.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2007
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Diagnosis-Related Groups
- Ontario
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences
Contact Address:
Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Avenue, G-Wing, Toronto ON, Canada, M5N 3M5. Tel: 416-480-4055; Fax: 416-480-6048
Contact Name:
info@ices.on.ca
Contact Email:
info@ices.on.ca
Copyright:
Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES)