The Challenge
A provincial health ministry was looking to review a program that provides financial incentives to physicians to serve in rural and remote, under-served areas of the province. The program had been operational for 17 years, yet no review had yet been done.
The objective of the review was to assess the effectiveness of the program and incentive structures, to determine the implications of introducing alternative funding models, and to identify opportunities to enhance the program’s functionality and overall efficiency.
Our Approach
In July 2024, the province engaged Deetken to conduct a comprehensive review of the program. To do so, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the program’s current framework, including isolation points and fee structures, as well as existing reports, studies, position statements and public commentary. We also conducted an international jurisdictional scan of other rural and remote physician programs to identify best practices.
Our review involved extensive quantitative and qualitative research, including an online survey of 433 rural doctors, more than 60 interviews with physicians, medical students, municipal and Indigenous governments, and other stakeholders, as well as complex financial and econometric analysis. Based on our analysis, we developed a comprehensive model of the impact of possible alternative incentive schemes.
Outcome
Based on our research and analysis, Deetken delivered to the province a detailed 200-plus page report outlining our findings and recommendations for improvement of the program. This report is will help guide the province’s future decision-making on the program and funding model.
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