Summer may bring some relief to Quebec emergency departments, but emergency physicians are still working tirelessly, facing increasingly complex cases. Dr. Marie-Maud Couture, President of the Quebec Association of Emergency Physicians, highlights the challenges of the evolving healthcare landscape, where the traditional methods no longer suffice.
On average, emergency physicians handle 15 to 20 patients during their shifts, a number that has remained steady over the years. However, the patients are now more intricate, especially in smaller emergency departments. Twenty years ago, physicians like Couture could see around 30 patients per shift, but the aging population and longer case durations have changed the game.
Dr. Couture emphasizes that the healthcare system must adapt to the rising number of older and critically ill patients. The lack of outpatient care options often forces emergency physicians to follow up with patients, blurring the lines between emergency care and primary care.
During the summer, Quebec emergency departments face additional challenges, with stretcher occupancy rates exceeding 100%, particularly in Montreal. This surge in occupancy is not solely due to patient volume but also to the closure of multiple clinics and reduced primary-care access through Quebec’s GAP program.
While some hospitals report lower occupancy rates, caution is warranted in interpreting these figures. In rural areas, limited staff and resources can skew occupancy rates, with some stretchers remaining unused due to staffing shortages. Dr. Couture points out that even with lower occupancy rates, patients may still face long waits in emergency department waiting rooms.
Despite fluctuations in occupancy rates, emergency physicians continue to work tirelessly, ensuring that the most critical cases receive prompt attention.
