Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What did the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada (2002) report primarily concern itself with?

1. Patient privacy regulations

2. Quality of work life for nurses

3. Access to mental health services

4. Cost-effectiveness of healthcare

The correct answer is: Quality of work life for nurses

The primary concern of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, often referred to as the Romanow Commission, was to assess and recommend measures to ensure the sustainability and quality of the Canadian healthcare system. One of the key points the commission addressed was the quality of work life for healthcare providers, including nurses. The report highlighted the importance of healthcare professionals' working conditions in delivering high-quality care to patients. It recognized that when nurses and other providers have a supportive work environment, it directly affects patient outcomes and overall system performance. While patient privacy regulations, access to mental health services, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare are critical components of the healthcare landscape, the commission's central focus was on the broader issue of ensuring that the workforce, particularly nurses, have a quality work environment. This focus aligns with the need to retain healthcare professionals, reduce burnout, and improve the overall healthcare delivery system in Canada.