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B.C. Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Care Delayed
27 Jan
Summary
- Doctors spend nearly 10 hours weekly on administrative tasks.
- Outdated systems and fax machines delay diagnoses and treatments.
- Eliminating paperwork could free up over 1,400 full-time doctors.
Family doctors in British Columbia are advocating for the provincial government to streamline digital processes and reduce bureaucratic burdens. A recent national study highlights that doctors across B.C. collectively dedicate three million hours annually to administrative duties.
On average, physicians in B.C. spend close to 10 hours each week managing paperwork, according to the report. This significant time investment is attributed to fragmented electronic medical record systems and outdated technologies like fax machines, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments as requisitions are lost.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Canadian Medical Association's report suggests that addressing this 'red tape' could liberate over 1,400 full-time doctors. Proposed solutions include simplifying insurance processes, reassigning some tasks to other health professionals, and integrating AI tools, which could save doctors approximately 64 minutes daily.
B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne acknowledged the concerns, stating the province is actively working on solutions. Efforts include reducing sick note requirements and exploring AI scribes to minimize documentation time, aiming to enhance physician-patient contact. The province is also committed to fully integrating electronic medical records soon.
