PMH in Alberta

From local family practices to their supporting Primary Care Networks (PCNs), Alberta continues to work toward PMH initiatives and primary care reform, as outlined in its Primary Health Care Strategy. In Alberta, PCNs link groups of family physicians and other health care professionals, who work together to provide care specific to community/population needs.

There are 40 PCNs in the province, staffed by more than 3,800 physicians and 1,000 health care providers, that serve nearly 3.6 million residents. Rebranded in 2014, Alberta’s PCN Evolution—or PCN 2.0—aligns with many PMH pillars and is designed to involve physicians and other stakeholders in shaping the way PCNs continue to improve patient care delivery.

The improvement of primary care for patients, families, and communities in Alberta continues with support from multiple stakeholders. For example, the Primary Care Alliance has authored the Primary Care 2030 White Paper, proposing a transformational change to the current structure of Alberta’s health system to ensure the health needs of Albertans are met today and into the future. The Alberta College of Family Physicians continues to work with the Alberta Medical Association and other stakeholders to bring high quality, team-based care to Albertans.