PCMR Survey Results and Next Steps

PCMR Survey Results and Next Steps

Dear SGFP Members,

Earlier this spring, the government announced its intention to move forward with a province-wide Primary Care Medical Record (PCMR). Done well, this initiative has the potential to reduce administrative burden, improve coordination across care settings, and strengthen attachment and continuity for patients. It is a significant opportunity, and one that must be shaped by the realities of family medicine.

To ensure your perspectives guide this work, SGFP conducted a member survey from May 22 to June 5. Thank you to everyone who participated and the valuable comments.

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What We Heard From You

Members see the potential of a province-wide PCMR, but emphasized several key themes:

• Strong support for the vision, with recognition that a connected system is long overdue.
• Need for clarity on the scope, design, and implementation timeline.
• Concerns about execution, including transition workload, workflow disruption, and the risk of increased administrative burden.
• Privacy and data-sharing questions, especially around sensitive patient information and data governance.
• Conditional buy-in, members want to see a fully funded, physician-led approach with coordinated change-management supports.
• Early and ongoing engagement is essential; family physicians must be involved before decisions are finalized.

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These insights have directly shaped our early actions and will continue to guide our work as the PCMR develops.

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Our Advocacy and Engagement

SGFP has been working closely with the OMA, OCFP, and AFHTO to present a unified primary care voice to the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health. Last week, we were pleased to welcome:

• Dr. Jane Philpott, Chair, Primary Care Action Team
• Dafna Carr, Chief Digital Health Officer, Ministry of Health
• Rhonda Wilson, VP Clinical Transformation and Patient Access, Ontario Health

to our SGFP Board meeting for a focused discussion on the PCMR.

We shared your survey results, our Digital Health Principles, and the opportunities and risks identified by members. The conversation was productive, and Ministry and Ontario Health leaders expressed appreciation for the clarity and practicality of the feedback. Importantly, they committed to ongoing dialogue, improved communication, and opportunities for members to inform the work as it progresses.

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Looking Ahead

The PCMR represents a major system change, and a major opportunity. Your input is shaping how SGFP engages, and we will continue to advocate for a PCMR that is fully funded, physician-led, privacy-protective, and designed around real clinical workflows.

Thank you again to everyone who completed the survey or shared feedback. Your voices are driving this work.

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Warm Regards,

Dr. Dave Barber, Chair, SGFP

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