A recent study by the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke debunks the notion of family physicians being disengaged. The study highlights how the workload of family doctors has evolved due to the growing complexity of cases they handle.
Commissioned by the Claude Brunet Foundation, the study reveals that family physicians are dedicated professionals, devoting an average of 46 to 47 weeks per year to their practice. Extended breaks exceeding 90 days are uncommon and on the decline.
The Quebec government, under Premier Legault, has suggested that doctors are not seeing enough patients, especially with 1.5 million Quebec residents lacking a family doctor. Health Minister Christian Dubé’s proposed Bill 2 aims to tie physician compensation to performance metrics, a move that has stirred dissatisfaction within the medical community.
Economist and researcher Damien Echevin, the study’s author, warns against overly rigid control measures that focus solely on patient volume targets. Echevin emphasizes the importance of considering case complexity and quality of care in physician practice management.
The study underscores that the challenge lies in a healthcare system with limited capacity rather than in doctors’ work ethic. The data supports doctors’ claims that their workload is constrained by the increasing complexity of patient needs, necessitating additional support and resources.
While Quebec boasts a slightly higher physician density compared to the national average, accessibility remains a concern. The study points out a 40% decline in gross visits per physician over the past three decades, attributing it to rising case complexity driven by factors like an aging population and higher rates of chronic illnesses.
