Provincial Geriatrics collects comprehensive data related to specialized geriatric programs and services in the province of Ontario at request of the Ministry of Health. Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) are defined as comprehensive, coordinated health services that assess, diagnose, and treat older adults living with complex health and social conditions. These services are provided across the continuum of care by interprofessional teams with expertise in the care of older adults.
While the initial data collection was focused on SGS Programs (including geriatric medicine and seniors mental health programs), in 2021 additional sites (e.g. Ontario Health Teams and Primary Care) who were implementing programming focused on older adults living with complex health conditions were also invited to submit data to enable a more fulsome picture of supports for this population. To reflect this change, the initiative was renamed the Specialized and Focused Geriatric Services Asset Inventory.
The Provincial Specialized and Focused Geriatric Services Asset Inventory informs a current state view of the supply and utilization of health services designed for older people living with complex health conditions. Data is collected directly from programs and services via a secure customized web portal designed in collaboration with, and maintained by, Health Sciences North.
The data collected is used to produce maps and reports that:
- Enable the public and others to locate geriatric services in their community
- Contribute to capacity planning by identifying the current supply and utilization of geriatric services
- Support the spread of effective clinical models
- Inform management decision making and health system design
As of 2021/22, more than 1250 health professionals with specific training in geriatric care were reported to be working in approximately 260 dedicated geriatric programs in Ontario. These programs served approximately 89,000 patients, providing roughly 333,000 visits.
The data picture presented in this report reflects the only data initiative focused solely on geriatric clinical services in the province. To download the interactive report, click the button below,
Data note: This report includes data collected up to February 15, 2023 for the fiscal years 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22