The Canadian health-care system continues to struggle with challenges, as revealed in a recent survey by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Despite more than five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors are facing burnout and mental health issues due to mounting pressures on the system.
Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the CMA, expressed deep concern over the current situation, emphasizing the importance of physicians being in good health to provide optimal care. The survey highlighted that factors contributing to burnout include the growing complexity of patient care, increased administrative tasks, and rising expectations from patients and their families.
While there has been a slight improvement since 2021, with 74% of physicians experiencing bullying, harassment, or discrimination, the survey still indicates that 46% of doctors report high levels of burnout. This figure, although lower than in 2021, remains significantly higher than the 2017 levels.
One of the key stressors for physicians is the overwhelming amount of administrative work and paperwork they have to handle. To alleviate this burden, some doctors are turning to AI tools, such as autoscribes, to streamline their tasks and allow for more meaningful patient interactions during consultations.
Dr. Burnell emphasized the importance of addressing physician wellness and suggested practical solutions, such as providing increased support for well-being, enhancing access to primary care teams, and encouraging team-based care to share the patient workload effectively. Recruiting and retaining doctors is also crucial, although challenging amid economic uncertainties at various government levels.
While there is a positive trend of more physicians seeking wellness support, with 65% accessing such resources, the high level of burnout could potentially impact patient care quality. Dr. Burnell stressed the need for urgent action to address these issues and improve the overall health-care system.