Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) commissioned a group of experts, consisting of Dr. Élise Boulanger, Prof. Mylaine Breton, and Dr. Antoine Groulx, to guide the development of the first government policy on primary care (PC). Their work consisted of conducting a comparative analysis of other jurisdictions and producing an opinion on the levers needed to achieve the ministry’s objectives. The result is a report proposing six recommendations based on a rigorous approach that is both scientific and rooted in Quebec’s reality, taking into account regional characteristics and the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations.
The methodology used is threefold: a synthesis of relevant literature, consultations with Quebec stakeholders, and a forum for debate. The success of the desired transformation depends on thoughtful and consistent implementation.
Building an effective frontline service is a collective project that goes far beyond the healthcare system. It concerns society as a whole, and patients and their peer supporters must play an active role as true partners in its success and sustainability.
Expert advisors
- Elise Boulanger, MD, CCMF, is a family physician, clinical leader, and president-elect of the Collège québécois des médecins de famille (Quebec College of Family Physicians).
- Mylaine Breton, MBA, PhD, is a full professor specializing in primary care organization in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Sherbrooke.
- Antoine Groulx, MD, MSc, FCMF, is a professor of family medicine at the Clinique Maizerets – University Family Medecine Group at Université Laval, clinical leader and scientific director of the Unité de soutien SSA Québec
Thank you to Minister Christian Dubé and his ministerial teams for trusting in the expertise of those in the field to inspire his work and his vision of a strong front line for a healthy Quebec.
Thank you to Assistant Deputy Minister Stéphane Bergeron for the diligent collaboration of his teams in carrying out the mandate.
Thank you to the patient partners, caregivers, clinicians, practitioners, researchers, community and complementary sector partners, managers, and decision-makers who have nourished our work, reflections, and orientations with exceptional commitment and generosity.
Thank you to the remarkable individuals who made it possible to complete this mandate in a timeframe that is unusual in the traditional scientific world: Prof. Marie-Dominique Beaulieu, clinician-researcher; Catherine Lamoureux-Lamarche, research professional; Sophie Boies, research professional; Prof. Catherine Bouffard-Dumais, teacher and clinical leader; Karina Prévost, patient partner; Claudio Del Grande, research professional; and Véronique Deslauriers, research professional.
Finally, thank you to Percolab for their support in making the Forum a success.
Definition: “Primary Care” (PC)
The term “primary care” (PC) is used for consistency. PC brings together a variety of professionals, covers a wide range of activities (prevention, treatment, follow-up), and is mainly provided in living environments and communities to meet 80% of the population’s needs.