Poverty is linked to poor health and is a very important risk factor that requires screening and intervention.
That's the driving premise behind a primary care poverty reduction strategy that was implemented in a number of health-care practices across Ontario, including the City of Lakes Family Health Team in Greater Sudbury.
In the City of Lakes Family health team, early results show 24 per cent of more than 400 patients screened said they had trouble making ends meet and received further support from their provider.
“Poverty is a critical social determinant of health,” said David Courtemanche, executive director at the City of Lakes Family Health Team. “Our team understands that patients, who are struggling to make ends meet, may find it difficult to address health issues affecting themselves and their families. Primary care providers have a role in helping their patients access resources that can help them overcome income security challenges.”
The intervention was measured for two months, and preliminary results from three of the four sites show that over 1,900 patients were screened for poverty, and approximately 20 per cent of patients screened indicated that they had difficulty making ends meet and received further support from their health-care providers.
The intent of the strategy is to link patients from participating practices throughout Ontario with local programs and services. Providers can intervene on behalf of their patients affected by poverty or low socioeconomic status by appropriately managing and/or referring them to social support programs they may be eligible for through services such as Ontario 211.
Other clinics included in the program were Two Rivers Family Health Team, Dr. Mario Elia Family Practice and Kindercare Pediatrics.
