Introduction

In Part Two of this Pressbook, you will be learning about the current issues and future trends in health care. We will delve into a variety of topics of focus in our health care system, with a high level look at the current state, future interventions, and how these issues impact on the role of the Health Office Professional.

In the next 8 chapters, you will be learning about and discussing:

• the impact of the Internet on health care,
• digital health solutions being used to provide health care,
• the state of mental health services in Canada,
• the impact of an aging population,
• health human resource shortages,
• wait times and their related concerns and challenges,
• privatization of health care, and
• health inequities within Canada’s Indigenous populations

By the end of Part Two, you will have a greater understanding of the current state of health care in Canada, some of the initiatives being introduced to address some the issues being faced, and the future direction of care. You will also gain an understanding of how these issues and future changes may impact your role as a health office professional.