Family physicians caring for hospital inpatients. Discussion Paper

2003 Oct
College of Family Physicians of Canada.

This discussion paper has been written for family doctors, health professionals with whom they work, hospital administrators and managers, medical school leaders, the patients whom family doctors serve, and other public audiences interested in the value and importance of family doctors working in various health care environments. It addresses the way our Canadian health care system has impacted inpatient hospital care provided by family physicians (FPs) and describes the experiences of family physicians who provide this care. The recommendations in this paper are written to enhance hospital care for patients and to define appropriate roles for their family doctors.