An analysis of the French healthcare system in the context of geriatric care

Abstract

The geriatric population occupy a progressively greater portion of the Canadian demographic spectrum. They often present with multiple comorbidities and utilize a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources per capita. Keeping current Canadian healthcare practices may become unsustainable in the long run, and comparison with the French healthcare system may help with the identification of current shortfalls. The Canadian healthcare system lags behind the French counterpart in several key healthcare indicators, including per capita spending, growth in expenditure, and specialist wait time. The French healthcare system is characterized by a mix of public and private healthcare choices, greater emphasis on preventative health and an nationwide integration. All of these may have contributed to the French healthcare system’s better fiscal spending practices and healthcare outcomes. The Canadian healthcare system should take note of these differences and integrate positive elements to create a model better prepared for geriatric care in the foreseeable future. More in-depth studies may be needed to better assess the extent of adaptation for each of the aforementioned areas.