How much time do Canadian doctors spend on administrative tasks weekly?

Doctors in Canada spend an average of nine hours per week on administrative tasks.

What are the consequences of the administrative burden on Canadian doctors?

The administrative burden leads to doctors taking fewer patients, considering early retirement, and contributes to longer wait times and ER closures.

What solutions are being proposed to reduce administrative work for doctors?

Proposed solutions include eliminating sick notes, using AI scribes, simplifying forms, delegating duties, and providing paid administrative time.

Home / Health / Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Canada's Healthcare Crisis

Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Canada's Healthcare Crisis

28 Jan

Summary

Physicians spend nine hours weekly on administrative tasks, totaling millions of hours annually.
Nearly half of this work is deemed unnecessary red tape by doctors.
This administrative burden leads to physician burnout and early retirement considerations.

Doctors across Canada are reportedly dedicating approximately nine hours each week to administrative tasks, translating to an estimated 42.7 million hours annually nationwide. A recent report indicates that nearly half of this work is perceived by physicians as unnecessary red tape, diverting focus from patient care. This administrative burden is particularly impactful on family physicians, a group already facing shortages.

The consequences of this extensive paperwork are significant. Physicians are reportedly taking on fewer patients or transitioning away from family practice. Furthermore, one-quarter of doctors have expressed considering early retirement or leaving the profession altogether. This situation exacerbates existing healthcare challenges, including extended wait times, emergency room closures, and a growing number of Canadians without access to a family doctor.

Addressing this administrative overload is seen as a multi-faceted solution. Recommendations include eliminating sick notes, implementing AI scribes for summarizing patient care, simplifying insurance and tax forms, and delegating duties. Paid administrative time for doctors is also proposed to prevent work from encroaching on personal time. Initiatives are underway, with several provinces limiting employer demands for sick notes and some clinics piloting AI scribes. Efforts are also being made with the CRA to streamline complex forms.

Progress is being observed in regions like Nova Scotia, which has implemented a red tape reduction plan since 2021, reporting substantial hours of reduction for physicians by 2025. The adoption of AI scribes has been particularly beneficial, with systems recording appointments and generating summaries, enhancing patient interaction and satisfaction. While AI tools require human oversight, their implementation is seen as a revolutionary step towards improving physician efficiency and patient care.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Home / Health / Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Canada's Healthcare Crisis

Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Canada's Healthcare Crisis

28 Jan

•

Summary

Physicians spend nine hours weekly on administrative tasks, totaling millions of hours annually.
Nearly half of this work is deemed unnecessary red tape by doctors.
This administrative burden leads to physician burnout and early retirement considerations.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.