This report, “Stories Shared, Voices Heard: Ontario’s Healthcare Providers“, describes findings and themes from discussions with front-line health providers in the province. We focused on how providers view both the role of family caregivers and their own role when they engage with family caregivers. In addition we wanted to understand how providers interact with caregivers and what could make the interactions with caregivers better for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Both providers and caregivers are frustrated by inconsistent and inaccessible communication channels between providers, family, and others in different parts of the health care system. This is a common contributing factor in many health system challenges.

Providers wish they could do better to provide a holistic care experience, but feel limited by what they are funded to do and what they are officially accountable for. They often recognize that family caregivers need resources and support, but feel paralyzed and unable to change the system to meet those needs.